A LOCAL volunteer has netted a top award for her coaching skills which have turned South Tawton Primary School pupils into budding young netball players.
Former PE teacher Angela Herrod-Taylor has been coaching the youngsters at South Tawton for eight years, running after-school sessions plus arranging the local primary school league and sporting events in the community.
Her efforts were rewarded this week when she received a ?Services to Sports Education? in the Devon Coach of the Year Awards hosted by Teignbridge District Council.
Angela, 45, who also runs the Okehampton Netball League and plays both in the Okehampton and Exeter leagues, was said to have a passion for the sport which truly ?rubbed off? onto the children she coached.
The coach was described as imaginative and enthusiastic, a true ambassador for sport and an excellent role model for the children. She was also a harsh but fair umpire.
Angela has worked hard with the teams and at a recent festival in Okehampton, hosted by Okehampton Community Recreation Association, West Devon Borough Council and the Okehampton Netball League, South Tawton Primary School took the trophy.
The award recipient, who is also a classroom assistant at the primary school, said it was lovely to get a pat on the back for what she did: ?We all like to have a boost every now and again and to get this award is lovely,? she said.
?I really love the sport and 40 children come to my netball practice which is the majority of girls in the school,? she said.
?They all have a chance to play whether they can catch the ball or not.?
Many former South Tawton Primary School pupils have gone on to join the Okehampton junior team who have just progressed to Division One in the ladies league.
?It?s great to see how much pleasure they are getting out of it,? added Angela.
?I have been playing netball for 35 years and I love it just as much today as I always have.?
Angela was nominated for the award by school administrator Sue Wonnacott and learning support assistant Tracy Smith.
Head of the school Bobby Sutton said Angela?s dedication did not just end with the school but she was always organising events and matches involving children and adults.
?She encourages people to play netball across the board and her enthusiastic and cheerful nature makes her popular with everyone,? she said.
?We think she totally deserves this award and we are all very proud of her.?