North Ayrshire Athletics Club rewarded for hard work within local community
By Jack Meney
Photo of Kerri Brown, Mark Preston and President Kirsteen Brown by Bobby Gavin/Scottish Athletics
On 26 October, the Scottish Athletics awards night took place. A night that all clubs around the country look forward to but the event was particularly successful for charity club, North Ayrshire Athletics Club (NAAC).
NAAC [who are based in Saltcoats] walked away from the night with two awards. The club won Impact Club of the Year and volunteer Nikki Caig won Community Club Coach of the Year. NAAC had competition from fellow nominees Aberdeen AAC and Pitreavie AAC.
The club was founded in 2009 and are a registered charity. Since their formation, the club have always prided themselves in being a community club who will work hard with individuals, no matter their ability.
The last year has been momentous for the club. As well as competition success, NAAC have been busy in terms of working within the community and building the personnel of the club. Membership has grown by 30% this year.
NAAC have always ensured to do their best to support their athletes and manage to do so while relying on volunteers for coaching and admin roles. This fact captures the philosophy of the club as they have always been about improving the community around them.
Kirsteen Brown, Club President, said “I am delighted that our club have been recognised at this year’s Scottish Athletics Awards. To receive the Impact Club of the Year highlights the great work we do in our local community.
“For our Combined Events coach Nikki to win the Community Club Coach of the Year also showcases the great work our volunteer coaches do at NAAC. Her record of successes ranges from local, national and international achievements.”
Photo of club volunteer Nikki Caig by Bobby Gavin/Scottish Athletics
As well as running athletics programmes for children from the ages of three, the club also have nights where they run an additional support needs group, where they learn the fundamentals of athletics (running, jumping and throwing) while letting the children partake in multisport activities as well.
NAAC have been a part of the three towns community for a while now and they have been working hard with little credit given, so this award is seen as well-deserved after all the club have achieved.
Brown added: “I’m excited for the future of our club and look forward to the years ahead.”