When Stuart Robson joined Caerphilly Castle Ladies and Girls FC in 2004 it had a small junior section and a ladies team.
Since then he has totally reformed the club and grown membership at a rapid rate. The club now caters for teams at under 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, youth and senior age-groups.
As well as helping the under 16's to one of their most successful seasons, he has provided the players with support to enable more than 10 players to achieve positions on the South Wales Girls League (SWGL) development squad. One player has even represented Wales in the home nations’ competition.
In recognition, Stuart was made Volunteer of the Year at the 2011 Sport Wales Coach of the Year Awards.
I was nominated in 2011 for the Sports Volunteer of the Year, which came completely out of the blue.
The nomination brought with it mixed emotions, initially you have the surprise, excitement and joy having been nominated, this then changed and I found it rather humbling given how many other people in my eyes do a lot more in the community with little or no recognition.
Having got over the shock of the nomination I was then even more surprised at the event itself, it was like being at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year! At the event I was once again shocked, humbled further but also elated when I was announced the winner of the Volunteer of the Year category.
There are so many volunteers whether in coaching roles or support roles in many sports clubs across Wales with little or no recognition. The amount of times people have said to me that they did not realise just how much time and commitment people gave to the club just emphasises how undervalued our volunteers and coaches are.
Whilst this awards ceremony addresses some of that recognition it does not probably go as far as what would be more beneficial to the hundreds and thousands of volunteers in Wales. I would strongly support and promote the event and advise everyone to nominate individuals and show their support and thanks to the many volunteers in sport and in Wales.
For more information and to nominate someone for the 2012 awards visit www.sportwales.org.uk/coachoftheyear.
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