Rugby legend, Sir Ian McGeechan praised the army of volunteers who form the bedrock of community sport, at Hertfordshire’s third annual Coaching Conference on Sunday 21st February, held at the University of Hertfordshire.

In a captivating keynote speech, which enthralled the 100 strong audience of coaches from across Hertfordshire and the South East, Sir Ian gave a fascinating insight in to life on tour at a world class level of sport and the critical role played by the backroom staff in supporting top class athletes.

Recognised as one of the world’s great sports coaches, McGeechan also went on to praise volunteers who develop sporting talent at grass roots level, he said: “without strong foundations at the community level, there can be no sporting superstars. It is the army volunteers who give up their time every day of the week, to nurture the country's young people in their chosen sports, who are instrumental in creating the sporting heroes of tomorrow.”

The conference, organised by the Herts Sports Partnership, was the highlight of a week long programme of coach education, aimed at increasing and improving the number of coaches in Hertfordshire. During the week, over 1000 coaches attended practical and theoretical sessions, as part of the UK’s largest coach education programme.

John O'Callaghan, sports development manager with the Herts Sports Partnership said
“Once again, our annual program has demonstrated that there is a huge appetite for affordable coach education opportunities. As a County Sports Partnership, we are committed to working with partners to ensure that our coaches have the very best opportunities to develop their coaching skills and ability.”

He added: “Sir Ian McGeechan's presence at the conference was testimony of how far this event has come in a very short space of time. I look forward to seeing it grow and further establishing itself as a much-anticipated date on the annual sporting calendar.”