A YOUNG man from Ballingry who used to "run about the streets, just making trouble" is now a role model to kids in the area.

Ewan McTurk was recently crowned Coach of the Year at the Scottish Sports Futures sportscotland Awards 2023.

The awards ceremony took place at the Radisson Blu hotel in Glasgow where Ewan heard his name called out on stage.

Throughout the evening, eight awards were presented to young people, coaches, and organisations from across Scotland who have helped young people change lives through sport.

Nearly 60 nominations were submitted across the categories and the winners were selected in recognition of their work in Scottish Sports Futures (SSF) programmes and projects.

Ewan was named Coach of the Year (sponsored by Scottish Sports Futures) which is awarded to someone who has shown dedication and worked tirelessly to support the health and wellbeing of young people.

"Ewan demonstrates every step of the SSF young person journey and the positive impact this can have on young people, from being a participant in the Shell Twilight programme and engaging in negative behaviour in his community to now being a coach and positive role model for other young people," Scottish Sports Futures says.

Following his win, Ewan commented: “I love coaching; it’s my desire.

"I want to continue doing it and help as many young people in this area as possible.

"I like to think now I can show some of the young ones that I am a role model, and they can come to me if they need anything.

“I used to run about the streets, just making trouble and then I came into SSF because I felt safe here and felt part of something.”

Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said, “A huge congratulations to all the winners this evening, they truly deserve to be recognised for all of the hard work and energy that they put into everything they are doing.

“Through our partnerships with organisations like Scottish Sports Futures, we continue to see how important young people are in creating welcoming and inclusive sporting opportunities and how vital the ongoing work is to young people across Scotland.”

Chief Executive of Scottish Sports Futures, Kirsty McNabb, said: "I am so proud of each young person we are privileged to work alongside at Scottish Sports Futures.

"Our annual awards allow for much deserved recognition of the incredible journeys they have been on, and how, through the power of sport and positive relationships they are flourishing.

“A massive well done to every nominee, finalist, and winner. You are role models to every young person and together we will support all young people to achieve their potential.”