Pegasus Hockey Club are celebrating one of their young members who has recently been announced as the winner of the Young Technical Official of the Year prize at Sport NI’s 2019 SportMaker Awards.
Erin Guinn, a young female hockey enthusiast has been recognised for her contribution to the sport at the age of 16. Consistently displaying a real passion and love for the sport where she officiates locally in her spare time, Erin is keen to develop the skills necessary to progress further with her umpiring. She recently obtained her Sports Leader UK Level 2 Award and frequently attended the Ulster Hockey young umpire training panel and workshops held throughout 2019.
Erin takes inspiration from other past youth volunteers at Pegasus and hopes to inspire the next generation of young umpires by following in her footsteps. In addition, Erin’s skills were recognised through her selection to umpire at the Ulster Hockey Indoor Youth tournaments in the Antrim Forum, where she was chosen to umpire the final. This was a great opportunity to learn and develop new skills and a fantastic season for Erin was topped off when she was also awarded the Ulster Hockey Youth Umpire of the Year in June.
Aly Crompton from Pegasus Hockey Club, who nominated Erin for her award, said:
“Since Erin graduated from Pegasus Junior Club to the Senior Club she has benefited from the Ulster Hockey Young Umpire Programme, giving her confidence to progress and excel in another field of the sport she loves.”
Sport NI’s SportMaker Awards recognise the contribution of the local sporting workforce – the coaches, officials, volunteers and projects that make a difference. The Young Technical Official of the Year award recognises up and coming officials who have invested time and energy in their development as an official and who have been a positive role model within local sport.
Erin received her surprise award from Sport NI’s Simon Toole at a recent Pegasus hockey training session.
Congratulating Erin on her success, Sport NI Chief Executive Antoinette McKeown said:
“Sport NI is delighted to be presenting this award to Erin and to celebrate her contribution to local hockey. Officials are at the heart of making sport happen and providing the opportunities for people to compete and enjoy sport. Erin has displayed a tremendous commitment to developing her experience through professional development and gaining officiating experience. On behalf of Sport Northern Ireland, I would like to congratulate Erin on her richly deserved award.”
