Coach Kelsall Receives National Award

JUST weeks after being named as Coach of the Year at the Cheshire West and Chester Sports Awards, handball coach Gary Kelsall (pictured, centre) received national recognition this week when he was named 2010 Children’s Coach of the Year this week.

The UK Coaching Awards were held at a glittering ceremony at The Brewery in London on Tuesday.

The award citation read: “The award is due recognition of Gary’s dedication and hard work. He is the heartbeat of handball in the Chester area.

“His work with the Deva club has led to them gaining access to the National League One for the first time. Meanwhile, he led the Tarporley Junior club to the National Schools Finals, just nine months after the club was set up.”

Among his many other achievements he has helped to increase sport participation through handball by coordinating the Chester School’s Handball Competition and working with diversity projects in Chester.

Top Coach Award for Deva's Gary Kelsall

DEVA Handball Club coach Gary Kelsall received a Coach of the Year Award at the second annual Cheshire West and Chester Sports Awards ceremony.

As well as his work with Deva, Kelsall (pictured) also coaches across the Chester School Sport Partnership area, and his award citation read: “Gary’s commitment to the sport is second to none and his dedication was rewarded earlier this year when he was asked to join the national team coaching staff.”

Deva were also presented with a certificate in recognition of achieving ClubMark status this year.