14 November 2024
Throughout 2024 we will once again shine a spotlight on the brilliant effort volunteers make across all forms of cycling. We want to acknowledge the huge contribution volunteers make to cycling and recognise the wide variety of roles undertaken to activate, support, lead, and deliver at all levels.
Each month, we are taking nominations from across the regions and home nations. If you think someone deserves a mention, get in touch on social media, with your respective regional or national teams or via @BCLearningHub on X, formally known as Twitter.
This month we have several coaches being recognised.
Name: Neil Russell
Region: Scotland
Role: Coach
Neil has recently been awarded the Disability Coach of the Year at the Sport Scotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards on 7th November 2024. This is due to the incredible impact he has had on the adaptive cycling community through his organisation, Adaptive Riders Collective (ARC). He has not only demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the sport and has also been a beacon of inspiration for countless individuals with disabilities, empowering them to explore their potential in ways they never thought possible.
Through ARC, Neil has successfully broken-down significant barriers to participation. One of which is the cost of specialised equipment, he has worked tirelessly to secure off-road adaptive cycles, making them available to those who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to experience the joys and challenges of mountain biking. This commitment to inclusivity is further evidenced by his work in making outdoor environments more accessible for all. By collaborating with various organisations, he has ensured that adaptive cycling is not an afterthought but an integral part of Scotland’s cycling culture.
Neil’s personal investment in his own development as a coach is equally impressive. He holds recognised qualifications that enable him to coach at the highest levels. Neil’s coaching is not just about developing skills on the bike; it is about building resilience, confidence, and a lifelong positive attitude towards physical activity. His ability to inspire and motivate, while providing high-quality, person-centred coaching, makes him a role model to many.
Find out more about the (Adaptive Riders Collective) ARC
British Cycling Values: Passion, Unity
Name: Craig Masson
Region: Scotland
Role: Coach
Craig has recently been awarded the Community Coach of the Year at the Sport Scotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards on 7th November 2024. The Award was in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Fife Cycle Speedway (FCS) and his unwavering commitment to promoting cycling within the community.
Since the establishment of FCS in 2016, Craig has been a large part of the driving force behind its growth and success. His innovative approach to coaching has turned what began as an extracurricular activity at Queen Anne High School into a thriving community club that encourages participation from people of all ages and backgrounds. Craig’s vision has created a supportive environment where individuals can develop their skills, build confidence and they can cultivate a positive attitude toward sport.
Aside from coaching, Craig’s proactive engagement with local media and the community has not only raised awareness of the sport but has also attracted new members to the club. Collaborating with high-profile patrons like Craig MacLean MBE and Katie Archibald, he has inspired young riders to dream big and strive for excellence. This strategic use of social media to share club activities has further expanded their reach, making cycling a more visible and appealing option in Dunfermline and Fife.
Craig's passion, dedication, and innovative strategies have not only transformed FCS but have also positively impacted the lives of countless individuals in the community.
British Cycling Values: Passion, Unity
Name: Dr Annie Davis
Region: South East
Role: Coach Club and Secretary
Annie has been a volunteer in a number of roles for British Cycling for over 10 years, having initially supported the South East Disability Hub with her coaching skills since its inception. She was quick to see and grasp the potential opened up by the launch of the Limitless Programme, attending the pilot Limitless programme launch in Lee Valley in 2022 and forming one of the first British Cycling Limitless clubs in the country based at Cyclopark in Kent called 'Limitless at Cyclopark'. Annie's drive, leadership and coaching skills quickly led the club to becoming a Limitless Focus Club, attracting a club bursary award and IceTrikes through the partnership with Limitless available for use at sessions by its attendees.
Since forming in 2023 under Annie's leadership the club has expanded, increased their membership, increased their session frequency to bi-weekly and started club outrides. These have included an all-inclusive trip to Bedgebury Pinetum MTB trails, plus held an anniversary party.
The impact that the club has made on people's lives is tangible and has created a sense of community much needed and appreciated by its members, many of which have daily struggles with either their physical or their mental health well-being.
A quote from Annie in a published article: “Cycling is about so much more than exercise. It’s about joy, resilience, and pushing past what you thought was possible.”
Tim Sales, Sport Developer for the South East, says "Annie drives the club, it's direction and is passionate about inclusivity and equity for all. She is responsible for its success and was aware of the need to include members in shaping the future direction of the club and it's structure by welcoming and supporting them to help run and shape its future direction through sharing.”
Find out more about the club here
