A GREENOCK athletics club stalwart has been named as a finalist for a prestigious coaching award.

Glenpark Harriers sprint coach Kenny Morrison is one of three trainers on the shortlist for Scottish Athletics’ Community Coach of the Year award, with the winners set to be announced on October 26.

The dedicated runner, who this year marked his 50th year in athletics, was put forward by his clubmates and was praised for his ‘instrumental’ work in fostering a positive community spirit at the club.

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Kenny told the Telegraph that he enjoys working with athletes to help them improve and was pleased to be up for the award.

Kenny Morrison. (Image: George Munro)

He said: “I’ve been coaching for the last 15 years and I’m delighted to be nominated locally.

"For Scottish Athletics to endorse that, and make me one of the three nominees for coach of the year, is brilliant.

“We’re trying to build a programme to encourage youngers – under 9s, under 11s – into the club and put them through a development programme.

“They have role models in the late teenagers and those in their early twenties who they can emulate, and there’s also the participation element and making new friends.

“They can see that there’s more availability and choices in athletics through 'run, jump, throw' programmes, rather than just one particular discipline.

“What we have locally is a fantastic return on endurance events. We’ve got Scottish and British internationalists locally.

“When I started coaching, the sprints weren’t as powerful as the endurance events, and there was a lack of individuals who wanted to coach sprints.

“We always wanted to have a variety of coaches of every discipline to varying levels and development stages. Sprints were of interest to me, so that’s why I got into coaching.

“I think it’s really important to get people moving, and get them healthy.

“It’s about coming along and enjoying it, taking part in what’s available, as well as what’s on the track.

“The challenges with health and wellbeing locally are something we can help address. All people have to do is check our website and come along.

“People are more than welcome irrespective of what level they’re at.”

In addition to his coaching duties, Kenny works with the wider community to promote athletics in general and Glenpark Harriers in particular.

He has organised events, participated in community activities and championed the club’s values in a bid to raise the profile of the sport and his club.

Kenny says that his proudest moments as a coach have come from watching people as they improve and start to enjoy athletics.

He added: “Some of those who come to join us are footballers who come to get a bit quicker - and they actually become quite a big bit quicker! - or there are some who go on to gain success in local and national events in Scottish and British universities.

“My proudest moment has been taking them on and getting them to move in a particular way to get them to look good and move fast and get enjoyment out of it.

“Glenpark Harriers have bought into this plan and supported me. They, along with the other volunteers who have come along and supported me, have to take a lot of credit.”