Pilbara coaches and umpires recognised through the DSR Regional Coaching and Officiating scholarship.

Coaches, officials, administrators and support personnel are an integral part of sport in the Pilbara enabling clubs to create the right environment for athletes to excel.

Related topics: coaching

24 September 2009

Their job is made all the more difficult by living 1,600 kilometres away from elite level training, a fact recognised by the Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR).

That's why talented and determined people in the Pilbara are acknowledged every year by DSR's Regional Coaching and Officiating Scholarship, creating much needed pathways for recipients to access education, training, mentoring and professional development within the region, state or the nation.

Congratulations go this year to three Pilbara recipients of the 2009/10 Regional Coaching and Officiating Scholarship - Karratha BMX Club's John Bennetts, Karratha Gymnastics Club's Amanda Clark and the North West Netball's Karen Woods.

"It's an expensive business getting to Perth or other places around the state and nation to improve skills and attend competition," DSR Manager Pilbara Nick Sloan said.

"The Regional Coaching and Officiating Scholarship gives a helping hand and lets coaches and officials know DSR understands the important role they play in the professional development of the community and our athletes."

Regional Coaching and Officiating Scholarships Karen Woods has been the senior umpire and coach in Karratha for three years.

She knows the problem in attending elite level training and competition in areas often far from home and says the funds will go a long way to help her access the training she needs.

"There was a period this year when I travelled (to Perth) every week to umpire state league games, so it gets very expensive," Karen said.

"The Regional Coaching and Officiating Scholarship helps to show anyone that anything is possible for people in the country, distance doesn't mean we don't get a look in with events and training happening in Perth."

Selected to attend the state league Smarter than Smoking netball squad in Perth, Karen is hopeful she will develop her umpire and coaching career by attaining her national netball A Badge.

"The more I develop, the more I'll be able to coach and assist the other (umpires and athletes) so all round the playing and umpiring standard up here will improve," Karen said.

"I want to keep seeing how much I can give back to the community, particularly supporting and helping the juniors to develop."

Regional Coaching and Officiating Scholarships are granted annually to coaches, officials, administrators and support personnel living throughout regional and remote WA who are involved in their sport within a regional, state and/or national level development pathway.

Keep an eye out for John Bennetts, Amanda Clark and Karen Woods achievements over the next year - they're leading the way and helping to create a solid foundation for the future scholarship winners in the Pilbara.

See the link below to find out more about the Regional Coaching and Officiating Scholarships or contact DSR regional manager Pilbara Nick Sloan.

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