Greg Thompson has been named Club Performance Coach of the Year in recognition of his achievements over the past 12 months with Pegasus Hockey Club.
The club’s collective trophy haul includes the Denman Ulster Shield, winning the EY Hockey League and claiming the EY Champions Trophy at the end of the season. In addition, they also reached the semi-final of the Irish Senior Cup, were awarded the Belfast City Council Team of the Year prize and will become the first Irish ladies hockey club to represent Ireland in next years Euro-Hockey league.
Working tirelessley to cultivate a best practice approach, Greg has demonstrated innovative thinking and high quality coaching that encourages the development of performance and nurtures talent whilst also focusing on the health and well-being of his athletes.
Greg has also worked in partnership with his fellow coaches and officials within the Club to create a structured, seamless transiton for younger players into the squad which is a critical pathway from the junior club into the senior club.
Sport NI’s SportMaker Awards recognise the contribution of the local sporting working – the coaches, officials, volunteers and projects making a difference in helping people to enjoy and benefit from the power of sport. The Club Performance Coach of the Year award recognises the achievements of a coach working with athletes at the highest level of domestic club sport.
Aly Crompton from Pegasus Hockey Club, who nominated Greg for his award, said:
“Greg has inspired Pegasus 1s Squad this season, his meticulous planning and delivery, encouraging young players and established players to give of their all has resulted in a National League double and a domestic cup.”
The Award was presented to Greg by Louise McQuade, Club and Workforce Officer, Sport Northern Ireland.
Congratulating Greg on the award, Sport NI Chief Executive Antoinette McKeown added:
“Through the SportMaker Awards, Sport NI is shining a light on the local people and projects that are making sport happen every day in Northern Ireland; those behind the scenes who all too often go unnoticed. It is wonderful to be recognising coaches like Greg who demonstrate the power that effective coaching and a structured club system can have on allowing people to develop and achieve their sporting ambitions. Greg’s combination of drive and care in the management of his players is clearly reflected in the club’s achievement’s, and we wish both Greg and Pegasus Hockey Club continued sporting success for the future.”
