Fife Steel coach Gavin keeping busy during lockdown

But it hasn’t prevented Fife Steel Basketball Club’s apprentice coach, Gavin Hugh, from continuing to carry out his prime duties.

Gavin, who has just turned 19, has been a coach for the club for a few years, first just helping out after school.

Now he’s leading as head coach for the club’s youth groups, as well as other groups, such as regular primary and high school sessions, outwith the club.

Prior to the beginning of the 2019/20 season, the club, in conjunction with Basketball Scotland’s Cashback for Communities program and Fife Council Modern Apprenticeships, was given the opportunity to appoint a paid apprentice coach to carry out duties for the club on a more permanent basis.

Having already enrolled himself in a Fife College Coaching and Sports Development HNC course, with a view to a future in coaching and leadership, Gavin was the natural choice.

He has worked hard throughout the past season culminating in earning a UKCC Level 2 coaching qualification.

Gavin has also been working consistently to promote the club to a wider audience.

This had included the creation of the first annual ‘Fife Basketball Club Easter Camp’ which, sadly, had to be postponed due to the lockdown.

Sports coaches are not considered ‘key workers’ during this crisis but Gavin, like many other sports coaches across the country, has taken to social media in an attempt to keep up interest in the game.

As well as supporting the maintenance of performance, fitness and core fundamental skills needed, the films encourage players and viewers alike to remember the crucial element of fun while working out.

All filmed in his back garden in Kirkcaldy, Gavin posts his ‘Daily Drill’ videos – as well as other motivational images and video clips – to the club’s Facebook page (facebook.com/FifeSteelBasketball/) and Instagram page, ‘@fifesteelbc’.

It’s likely there are at least a few more weeks of the lockdown to contend with so, to keep up spirits, keep fit and maybe get introduced to a new sport, Fife Steel are hoping locals may give basketball a try.

Follow ‘Coach Gav’ and the club, on Facebook, Instagram and, soon, Twitter.