REDDITCH’S Stephanie Holmes insists being nominated for a top national coaching award is just the first step in her ambitions to becoming a successful sporting mentor.
Holmes, who volunteers at Redditch Road & Path Cycling Club, was up for the Heather Crouch Young Coach of the Year accolade at the UK Coaching Awards, supported by Gillette, in Glasgow last Wednesday.
The 22-year-old is one of the volunteers vital to British Cycling’s ambitious plan to get one million more women cycling by 2020.
Holmes missed out on the award to water polo and swimming coach Adam Woods, from Spennymoor, at the star-studded ceremony at Glasgow City Chambers, but revealed she has big plans for her future.
“I’m looking to gain further qualifications in the next few years to step up my coaching.” she said. “I want to build up my knowledge and experience.
“When I think back three years I hardly had any experience but I have improved a lot since then. I coach weekly sessions for groups of ten, 11 and 12-year-olds at the moment. It can be quite full on at times.
“At that age, it’s all about improving skills and developing fitness sessions. I try and vary things quite a bit to keep things interesting.
“It usually means a different skill set. I hope to eventually take one-on-one coaching – that would be quite nice.
“I really like the interaction with the riders. I like to build on that relationship and see the progression that they make.”
The UK Coaching Awards, supported by Gillette, celebrate outstanding successes and achievements of some of the UK’s top coaches from a variety of different standards and sporting disciplines.
Despite missing out on the award to Woods, Holmes – who is a qualified regional investment manager – claims being nominated was more than enough for her.
“It almost didn’t feel right when I first got nominated to be honest. I am sure there are loads of other worthy coaches out there.” she added.
“It’s nice to be put in that category though – it makes me very proud. I have enjoyed the experience and met lots of other coaches.
“I wasn’t expecting to win so just to go and enjoy it was good enough and it’s great that Gillette support volunteers and sport.”
Stephanie Holmes was speaking at the UK Coaching Awards, supported by Gillette.
