Young pictured far left with white BC Rugby cap.
Jason
Young, the 2009 Gerald McGavin Coaching Award recipient has just returned from
his professional development experience with the Brumbies Rugby organization in
Australia.
The
Gerald McGavin Coaching Award (GMCA) is presented annually to one British
Columbia coach to acknowledge their efforts in the local rugby community and
offers them an opportunity to experience professional rugby abroad.
The award is part of
an endowment fund set up through the Canadian Rugby Foundation.
Young
was recognized for his 20 years of coaching at the high school, regional, provincial,
and national level.
While
in Australia, Young sat in on team and unit meetings, worked with the
professional players and got a taste for the academy setup both on and off the
field. The trip was highlighted by a trip to Sydney to see two games. Young
watched the Academy team play the Western Force and then watched the Western
Force play against the Australian Barbarians.
“The
Brumbies are a world class organization and they made me feel like I was a part
of it,” Young said.
“Their
coaching staff and their players were approachable and made time for questions
and comments during their busy schedule. I couldn’t wait to come home and start
using the new knowledge that I have gained. It was like I was reenergized as a
coach – it was a great feeling being rewarded off the field for my on field
efforts.”
The 2010 recipients are Martin Jones (Mulgrave
School, West Vancouver) and Jeff Williams (Shawnigan Lake School, Vancouver
Island). Previous recipients were Tom Larisch (2007, Carson Graham) and Adam
Roberts (2008, Earl Marriott).
Gerald McGavin played for British
Columbia and thereafter excelled in the business, professional and cultural
community of Vancouver and BC. In 1999 he was made a Member of the Order of
Canada and in 2006 he was appointed to the Order of BC. Through his love of the
game, he has created an invaluable award that demonstrates his appreciation for
what a positive influence rugby has in developing young people.
