James Hall, a Rugby Coach with the Active Schools team in Fortrose was announced ‘Young Coach of the Year’ at the 2015 Highland Coaching Awards. The awards are run by High Life Highland in partnership with sportscotland to recognise the outstanding contribution and significant impact of local coaches in enabling quality sport and physical activity opportunities to happen in communities across the Highlands.
James has been coaching Rugby in the Highlands for four years and has been involved with Active Schools in Fortrose Academy for the last two years. The pupils in the school benefit from an additional coaching session each week, 1.5 hours per week term time plus ad hoc sessions in the holidays. He targets the lowers school, focusing on S1/S2.
James is very well qualified having achieved UKCC Level 2 in Rugby, Level 1 in Strength and Conditioning and Level 1 in Rugby Refereeing. He is a qualified First Aider and is currently studying towards a BSC in Sports and Fitness. James hopes to graduate in 2016 and his ambition is to become a professional Rugby coach.
James is a former pupil of Fortrose Academy and is a real life inspiration to many pupils as he shows the pupils what can be achieved through focus and diligence. James has created several ad hoc Touch Rugby sessions locally, which are well attended. James is also a link between Fortrose pupils and the local club, Highland RFC.
Without James, pupils in Fortrose Academy would only be able to attend one rugby training session each week. James has given his time to promote, develop and encourage pupils to be more active more often. Active Schools is very pleased to have such a dedicated and professional volunteer.
James was presented with his award by Jacqui Ross, Depute Head Teacher at Fortrose Academy.
