Silsden taekwondo coach Rick Simpson has been shortlisted for the West Yorkshire Coach of the Year Award.

Simpson runs classes across the Bradford district, including Keighley, as coach of Quest Taek-wondo.

His role sees him work with all levels of participants, introducing young people into the sport and developing them to the highest levels, including coaching three athletes to the GB Junior Develop-ment Squad and two to national junior titles.

Simpson has been nominated for the first ever coach of the year award run by county partnership West Yorkshire Sport.

The accolade seeks to recognise coaching skills, enthusiasm and dedication of the many coaches in the county who make such a massive contribution to grassroots sport.

Also shortlisted is Mytholmroyd Weightlifting Club’s Eddie Halstead, who coaches Denholme star Rebekah Tiler.

Under his tutelage, Tiler has become a European Youth champion in just two years.

Others up for the award are Bradford City Disability FC’s Paul Jubb and Leeds-based Amaranth FC’s Derek Hallas.

West Yorkshire Sport’s coaching development manager Les Ford said: “Coaches are crucial to community sport and we want to recognised their hard work.

“These and many more committed and passionate volunteers dedicate their time to supporting and encouraging people enjoy and excel in sport.”

“We have received nominations from across a very broad range of sports and for coaches working at all levels from grassroots through to those working with national and international athletes, so our panel have had a very tough decision to make.”

“We also want to use this to highlight the need for more people to get involved at local clubs and organisations to help more people get active.”

The winner will be announced in mid-November and entered into sports coach UK’s national awards next year.

Anyone inspired to get involved in coaching at a local club can find out more at coachingwy.co.uk.