We are proud to announce that a former Auchenharvie Academy pupil and North Ayrshire Active Schools volunteer has been recognised nationally by both SportScotland and YouthLink Scotland.
21-year-old Connor Paterson headed to award ceremonies in Glasgow earlier this month, where he was honoured with two prestigious sporting titles:
- ‘School Sport Volunteer of the Year’ in the SportScotland Coaching, Officiating & Volunteering Awards, and the
- YouthLink Scotland Eric Liddell 100 Recognition Award – presented during National Youth Work Week 2024.
He was nominated by his Coordinator Leeanne from North Ayrshire Active Schools – the Council’s service dedicated to providing sports opportunities for all children and young people.
Connor is one of North Ayrshire’s most sought-after coaches due to his natural affinity to bring out the best in people playing football, basketball, badminton and other sports.
Now studying Sports Coaching at the University West of Scotland, Connor started his coaching journey in S3 when we was a pupil at Auchenharvie Academy and has never looked back.
Even though he is currently busy focusing on his further education, Connor still finds the time to volunteer an incredible 15-20 hours a week to Auchenharvie Academy and its cluster of primary schools.
His commitment has been unwavering as strives to use the power of youth participation in sports to reduce inequalities and improve health and wellbeing across the Three Towns.
He shared: “I have always had a love of sport and played football since primary school but never really managed to find opportunities.
“When I first knocked on the door of our Active Schools Coordinator Leeanne, I really wasn’t very engaged with school or keeping up with my school work. I was dealing with a lot at home and had experienced bereavement, so I was really struggling.
“Active Schools and Auchenharvie’s amazing PE staff worked with me and believed in me, so that I could get back on track. I’m proud to say that I have become a role model for others…
“At one point I thought I would leave school with no qualifications, but Active Schools helped me to realise my potential through gaining qualifications in sports coaching including SFA courses, first aid, leading athletics, conflict resolution and also learning to play and teach sports I hadn’t heard of before like boccia – a type of indoor bowls for the ASN community.
“I’ve thrown everything into sports coaching and volunteering, I love it. It’s my whole life. The work is so rewarding. It’s been absolutely incredible being recognised by both SportsScotland and YouthLink Scotland – I can’t believe it!”
Through the volunteering and training provided via the Active Schools leadership pathway, Connor has since graduated from the North Ayrshire Sports Academy (NASA) – a flagship programme of sports coaching education and training.
He has also progressed to become an invaluable member of Team Inspire – the Active Schools program that provides mentoring and support for new NASA recruits where he can further hone his skills and use his expertise to run coaching sessions and provide his support at Active Schools events across North Ayrshire.
“With the help of North Ayrshire Active Schools I have been able to find my passion and use my role in sports coaching to raise awareness of the amazing sports sessions and opportunities available locally to help people others to find their confidence and improve their lives.”
Connor Paterson, Award winner and Active Schools coach and volunteer
Active Schools Coordinator for Auchenharvie, Leeanne Mcphail shared: “It was my privilege to nominate Connor for these coveted sporting awards.
“I am absolutely delighted that Connor has been recognised at a national level. Since the first day I worked with Connor, I knew he had something special.
“Every week, he gives up so much of his free time. I am in awe of his commitment and how he is always seeking out ways to provide support and scaffolding to other children and young people. I’m so proud of what he has achieved, his hard work has really paid off!“
And although Connor has left school for three years now, he returns to Auchenharvie and venues in the surrounding areas to help out with sports activities including basketball coaching, badminton, football and more…
Headteacher at Auchenharvie Academy, Mr Johnson added: “From coaching, volunteering, mentoring and inspiring, Connor has harnessed the power of sports to step up as a talented trailblazer who is building a lasting legacy here in North Ayrshire.
“Connor has had some challenging times in his young life, but he has never given up. With the help of our PE department and Active Schools, he has become a valuable and inspirational member of the school and wider community.
“He is a real asset to us and is a positive role model who sees red – in the best way possible – as he lives and breathes our school values of Respect, Equality and Determination. Well done Connor, I’m so proud of you!”