Community award for teenager Jack

A YOUNG coach from Rotherham has been recognised for his inspirational work in the community.

Jack Pitchford (17) was chosen by a panel as South Yorkshire Disability Coach of the Year after being nominated by colleagues at Rotherham United Community Sports Trust, where he is an apprentice.

Jack initially became involved with the Trust as a participant at the club's Disability Development Centre, where he actively recruited other people to join the session. His efforts were recognised by the offer of an apprenticeship.

He now coaches 30 hours a week in school and community sessions and has helped continue the growth of the Centre. It has two open age teams and two U16s teams, with 50 people attending each week.

The work has also seen Jack deliver multi-sport sessions to disabled young people and he has supported a programme targeting disabled adults to help them lose weight.

Jack was described as an "inspiration and role model to both the disabled children and adults he coaches" by those who nominated him for the South Yorkshire Sport award.

"I was really pleased when I found out the news," said Jack.