A KARATE coach has been named Children's Coach of the Year at the 2018 Coaching Awards.

Ady Gray, who runs the Karate Dojo in Ripon, was given the prize at the ceremony in London on Thursday, November 29. Mr Gray coaches more than 200 children on a weekly basis, primarily between four and 16. A key focus of his coaching is supporting the emotional and mental well-being of his students.

He uses the core traditions of karate to help grow children’s confidence and self-belief, encourages them to embrace their own capabilities and supports them in the choices they make.

He said: “It’s brilliant. There is a lot of work you do as a coach, but to see the results paying off is amazing. I’ve been a finalist two years in a row, last year was a bit disappointing so I am delighted to have won it this year. Great coaching is about teaching individuals and helping to help them improve.”

Mr Gray is president of World Shotokan Federation (WSF) England, was a national team coach at this year’s WSF World Championships in Turkey.