FJORDHUS Reivers coach Janet Jack has been recognised for her invaluable contribution to developing sporting talent in the Scottish Borders by being awarded Performance Pathway Coach of the Year at the 2022 sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering (COV) Awards.

The former Scotland and Great Britain player returned to the Tweedbank club as a player after her international career ended and was persuaded by her team mates to take up coaching.

Originally from Galashiels, Janet works tirelessly on the performance pathway within her club and across the Scottish Borders, looking to inspire and develop aspiring and emerging young players.

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Having been a positive role model to players, fellow coaches and volunteers within the region and further afield over the years, Janet is now passing on her coaching expertise to the next generation, engaging younger coaches to follow in her footsteps.

She said: “We created a performance pathway at Fjordhus Reivers Hockey Club that ran alongside our youth teams and ladies teams so that we could offer younger players more dedicated coaching time.

“Children these days can have a difficult time with social media and other pressures, so it’s so very important to me that the playing field is a safe and inclusive place.

"Giving time to and valuing every child who’s here, listening to them, engaging them, and making sure they’re happy – that’s the most important part of what we do.

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“I am so privileged to be part of a Club with such incredible club culture where our three non-negotiables are effort, engagement and respect. This is from everyone, parents, officials, supporters, players, coaches.

“I could not be more honoured and humbled to win this award which is testament to all the hard work that goes on in our wonderful region to support and develop young players who have aspirations to reach their full potential.

Barry Cawte of Scottish Hockey said: “It’s hard to find people like Janet who have not just enthusiasm and passion for the game but actually have huge experience in coaching as a very good player herself who represented GB and is now giving her experience to other aspiring players.

“And it’s really important that we harness that knowledge and attributes that Janet has to hopefully produce future champions in the sport.

Sportscotland chairman Mel Young added: “Our coaching, officiating and volunteering awards give us a chance to celebrate the great sporting achievements and moments that are taking place every day and congratulate those who are making an incredible commitment to Scottish sport.

“Across Scotland, there are thousands of sporting enthusiasts who recognise the impact that sport and teamwork can have on our lives.

“The people we are celebrating have taken that recognition and turned it into life-changing ambition and a force for good.

“Individuals like Janet have dedicated their time to helping others realise their sporting potential and shown the far-reaching benefits of participation.”