'Shout out' to parents as local athletes recognised at ClubSport Tweeddale's annual awards
Last updated 9th Nov 2024
Hibs goalkeeper Rowena Armitage has been crowned ClubSport Tweeddale's Junior Sports Personality of the Year.
The Peebles High School pupil became one of the youngest players to play for the Easter Road side's women's team when she made her debut last year - aged just 15.
And she has since gone on to net two caps for Scotland Under 16s, in a 2-0 victory over Kosovo and 1-1 draw with Portugal.
"It means a lot to get this recognition, because it's hard work sometimes," Rowena told Greatest Hits Radio.
"Football is like my release from everything, so it's worth it just to play; I can catch up on school and everything."
The teenager - who first kicked a ball aged five - revealed she was inspired to take up the sport by her older brother, before being scouted by Hibs aged ten.
"I just saw him playing football and wanted to copy him, and be competitive," she added.
Now 16, Rowena’s been selected for the Scotland Under 17 squad ahead of their friendly with the Netherlands on Thursday.
When asked about the proudest moment of her career to date, the teenager smiled: "Probably making my debut for the first team and Scotland Under 16s.
"My first match for Hibs was against Aberdeen in a cup game at Meadowbank. It was just for a little bit at the end, but it was such an amazing experience to play for the club I've supported my whole life."
Peebles showjumper Scott Brash was named ClubSport Tweeddale's Sports Personality of the Year after striking Gold at the Olympics in Paris.
The 38-year-old - who also won Gold at London in 2012 - was unable to pick up the prize in person as he was competing in Verona, Italy.
But he sent a video message which was played at the awards ceremony, held at Peebles Rugby Club on Friday night, thanking the community for their support.
Prizes were also handed out to Peebles Falcons - the under 13s netball side - who were named Team of the Year, after lifting the Scottish Youth Cup at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow in June.
ClubSport Tweeddale chairman Adrian Lucas gave a "shout out" to the parents - saying much of what our local athletes achieved wouldn't be possible without their support.
Peebles Bowling Club - which celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2029 - rolled off with Club of the Year; while local boccia player Patrick Wilson took the Disability Sports Award after representing Team GB at the Paralympics in the summer.
Tennis player Michael Palmer has been named ClubSport Tweeddale's Coach of the Year.
It's in recognition of his efforts to encourage more youngsters to pick up a racket.
Last year, he helped Innerleithen win the Borders Autumn Junior Tennis League's Division One trophy - for the first time in its history.
But the 26-year-old, who also helps out at St Boswells, revealed the lack of indoor facilities could be holding some of them back.
"Unfortunately, over the winter, we have to cancel sessions because we don't have anywhere indoors to play," Michael told Greatest Hits Radio.
"It becomes a real disadvantage when we compete against other districts in Scotland.
"We've got players playing at an extremely high level who often need to go to the likes of Stirling University just to get the kind of next level of development.
"I want as many people playing tennis as I possibly can." But he added: "The Borders is absolutely crying out for an indoor court, we're one of the only districts in Scotland not to have one."
The Lawn Tennis Association Level 3 Accredited Coach was described as "an excellent role model" for younger players, at the weekend ceremony.
Accepting his award, Michael said: "It means a lot, I think I put a lot into the sport. But, for me, seeing all the kids progress and do so well is the real reward.
"Last year they managed to win the First Division for the first time, and then went on to win it again. It was really good, and I think it means a lot to the players as well."
TweedLove founder Neil Dalgleish received the Service to Local Sport Award in recognition of his - and his family's - efforts staging the hugely popular mountain bike festival, and other cycling events, annually for more than a decade.
Guests heard the gathering - which had given many youngsters their first experience on a bike - had generated millions of pounds for the local economy and helped grow the Tweed Valley's reputation as a world-class cycling destination.
"It's been a difficult time calling a halt to TweedLove," Neil said, after being shown a slideshow of images from through the years.
"But it was lovely seeing the pictures of all the folk that have taken part in it, and just feeling part of a community, and knowing we made a difference over that time; it was really nice to be recognised like that."
Moorfoots coach Gillian Carr was presented with the Headstrong award for her work raising awareness of mental health and suicide in sport at the local running club, while there was also recognition for project co-ordinator Jasmine Bunting.
It's hoped their workshops will help destigmatise the subject - and encourage anyone who may be struggling to seek help.
A special achievement award was also presented to school office worker Caroline Connor after she completed a record-breaking swim of Lake Geneva - raising more than £5,000 for the enhanced provision ‘Sunflower classroom’ at Peebles High, and Quarriers - a charity which helps young people struggling with their mental health.
She said: "I've never received an award in recognition for my swimming before so I feel really honoured."
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