Annan Youth Cycling Club coach Philip Bertram was ‘proud and humbled’ to be named Community Coach of the Year 2022 for his commitment towards helping improve the skills of young cyclists.
Having first got involved with the Annan club (AYCC) about a decade ago, Philip has gone on to complete a number of coaching qualifications and hold various roles on the committee.
He said: “I was asked if I fancied helping out with their sessions and then asked if I wanted to undertake my coaching qualifications so that I could coach sessions, and the rest, as they say, is history.
“Since then I have taken on other roles within the club including treasurer, event organiser and Go Ride co-ordinator.
“Most recently, I completed my mountain bike coaching qualification.”
Being nominated was a ‘pleasant surprise’ for Philip, who added: “To actually win the award was a very proud and humbling moment for myself given that the awards cover the whole of Scotland.
“It was also a proud moment to accept the award as a member of AYCC without whom none of this would have been possible, I owe the club so much.”
AYCC mainly run sessions on Saturday mornings comprising skills coaching and trail riding.
The club also partake in races throughout the year, and riders regularly compete in national race series in cyclo-cross and mountain bike disciplines around Scotland and the North of England.
Philip said: “Over the last year we have visited Ae and Mabie Forests, and Cathkin Braes in Glasgow to introduce our riders to the trails.
“Previously we have organised trips to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Cumbernauld BMX centre.
“As a club we organise two races as part of the South West Winter Series which have been held in the grounds of Hoddom Castle and the Everholm in Annan, and we work with Steppingstanes (Dumfries), Galloway Hillbillies (Newton Stewart) and Clydesdale Colts (Hamilton) to provide a five race series focussed on grassroots dirt crit style racing on order to allow riders of all ages and abilities to experience racing in a relaxed and friendly environment.”
AYCC hopes to recruit more coaches next year and Philip said: “We currently have around 40 members ranging from primary 1 upwards, and we are hoping to have more qualified coaches in 2023 which will allow us to take on more members so we can continue to offer cycling to many more aspiring riders.
“I really enjoy the buzz we create around cycling and the opportunities we provide riders with to get out on their bikes.
“It’s really great watching riders develop their skills through the sessions, taking those skills out on the trails into races and learning things from some of our riders too.”
