Coby’s Journey: From Camper to Leader – A Success Story at Aberdeen Sports Village
Coby’s story is one of dedication and passion. His journey with ASV began when he returned to Aberdeen from America at the age of 13, and from that moment, ASV became the backdrop for his growing passion and evolving career in sports.
When Coby signed up for ASV’s Summer Sports Camps at ages 13 and 14, he had no idea how impactful this experience would be. Like many young people, Coby had always enjoyed being active, but it was at these camps where his enthusiasm for sports truly flourished. The camps were filled with energy, excitement, and opportunity, with a wide array of activities and a welcoming atmosphere. The ASV facilities, known for their world-class quality, allowed young athletes like Coby to explore various sports in a professional and motivating environment.
The encouragement from the leaders, and the facilities made a lasting impression on him. While he enjoyed playing different sports, it was athletics—specifically sprinting—that captured his heart.
Finding His Calling in Athletics
By the age of 15, Coby had developed a clear focus on athletics, choosing to specialise in sprinting events, particularly the 100m and 200m. With his sights set on improving his performance, he joined Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club (AAAC), where he could train under expert coaches and alongside other young athletes.
At this stage, Coby’s passion for sprinting went beyond just a hobby. It became a part of his identity and something he was determined to pursue seriously. His training was rigorous and consistent, as he worked hard to perfect his technique and hone his abilities on the track. Every session was a step toward improving his performance and strengthening his athleticism.
With his determination and dedication, Coby became a promising young sprinter, and the skills he developed at AAAC laid the foundation for his future in sports, both as an athlete and eventually as a coach.
Transitioning from Camper to Leader
In 2022, Coby’s journey took an exciting turn. No longer a participant at ASV’s Summer Sports Camps, he made the transition from camper to leader. This shift marked the beginning of a new chapter, not just for his own development, but also for the impact he would have on others.
Becoming a Sports Camp Leader at ASV was a significant achievement for Coby. It allowed him to give back to the same community that had supported him in his early years, and it provided him with an opportunity to inspire and mentor younger athletes. As a leader, he became a role model for campers, using his personal experience to guide and encourage them as they explored their own potential in sports.
In the same year, Coby also joined AAAC as a coach, further solidifying his commitment to athletics and coaching. His dual role as a leader and coach gave him the platform to influence young athletes, sharing his passion for sprinting and helping others unlock their potential.
Education and Professional Growth
Coby’s journey wasn’t limited to athletics and leadership roles. In parallel, he was pursuing a formal education in sports coaching. He enrolled at North East Scotland College (NESCol) to study for an HND in Sports Coaching & Development, a decision that complemented his practical experience as a coach and leader. This academic path provided Coby with a deeper understanding of sports science, coaching methodologies, and athlete development, all of which enhanced his ability to coach and mentor others.
Over the course of two years, Coby balanced his studies with his growing responsibilities at ASV and AAAC. During this time, he logged an impressive 766 hours as a Camp Leader at ASV, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the role. He also dedicated 55 hours to coaching in ASV’s Community Initiatives, where he worked with young athletes from diverse backgrounds, and he spent 22 hours representing ASV at outreach events, promoting sports participation and healthy living in the wider community.
Coby’s ability to juggle his academic work, coaching responsibilities, and leadership roles speaks to his strong work ethic and passion for sports. His dedication did not go unnoticed, and in 2024, Coby’s hard work was recognised when he was nominated for the prestigious Young Community Coach/Volunteer of the Year award at the Aberdeen Sports Awards. This nomination was a testament to his contributions to the local sports community and his efforts to inspire the next generation of athletes.
With his HND in hand and a wealth of experience behind him, Coby is now embarking on the next stage of his journey: pursuing a BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching at Robert Gordon University (RGU). This new chapter marks an exciting time for Coby as he continues to build on his academic and professional experience in sports coaching.
Coby’s ultimate goal is to continue giving back to the community that has supported him throughout his journey. His time as a camper, leader, and coach has solidified his passion for working with young athletes, and he is eager to take on even more leadership roles in the future. Whether through ASV’s community initiatives, AAAC’s coaching programmes, or other outreach efforts, Coby is determined to make a positive impact on the lives of young people, helping them discover the joys of sports just as he did. And, his success is a reflection of the values that ASV holds dear: a commitment to excellence, a passion for sports, and a belief in the power of community. As he looks forward to the future, there is no doubt that Coby will continue to lead with these values at the heart of everything he does.
