Coach of the Year
Staff at the Sobell Leisure Centre in Aberdare are celebrating the success of one of their colleagues, who has been recognised nationally for his work on the squash courts.
Robert Gould, who trains all ages at the Council-run leisure facility, has been named as Coach of the Year at the annual Squash Wales Awards, held at the Angel Hotel in Cardiff.
As well as Robert Gould being crowned Coach of the Year, Hirwaun Squash Club was also named as Club of the Year.
Robert Gould has been coaching the Junior Squash Club at Sobell Leisure Centre every Saturday for over 15 years.
Many of his young club members have gone on to represent Wales, including Joel Makin, of Aberdare, who is now ranked Number 38 in the world and Number 1 in Wales.
Other Welsh internationals include his own son Joel Gould, Olivia and Louis Stephens, Alyx Kelleher, Kieran Hillman, Ciara Richards, Liam Eason, Aran Jack and Anna Edwards.
With his current Junior Squash Class running at Sobell Leisure Centre every Saturday from 9:30am until 1pm, Rob still nurtures young talent and teaches them the basics of the sport.
Cllr Ann Crimmings, Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Heritage Services, said: “We all send our sincere congratulations to Robert, who is a dedicated and highly respected squash coach. We are delighted that all his hard work has been recognised in this way.
“Squash is a very popular sport at our leisure centres across the County Borough and it is people like Rob who are the catalyst of the success.
“More and more people than ever before are using our leisure facilities across the County Borough through our Leisure for Life initiative, with customers recognising the first-class facilities we offer.
“In recent years the Council has invested around £3m in leisure centre improvements across Rhondda Cynon Taf as part of its wider ongoing #RCTinvest programme.”
Recent investment at Sobell Leisure Centre includes the new £3m outdoor track and field athletics facility, with a new 263-seater spectator stand and state-of-the-art changing rooms, which is due to open to the public this autumn.
Leisure for Life is an easy, affordable leisure membership that was introduced in line with the Council’s investment to encourage more people to get involved in leisure activities across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Leisure for Life members can enjoy unlimited access to Sobell Leisure Centre and all other Council-run leisure facilities.
Are you a Leisure for Life member? If not, register online today
For more details of all on offer at Sobell Leisure Centre visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk or call 01685 870111.
Keep up to date with the latest leisure and fitness news around Rhondda Cynon Taf by searching for and liking your local/preferred Council leisure centre on Facebook.
Booking classes and sessions has also never been easier – you can now do this via the Leisure for Life APP. Download the new Leisure for Life APP for more information about its benefits.
Leisure for Life is a Council initiative at all of its centres that encourages residents to enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
Members can enjoy unlimited access to swimming, fitness classes and indoor sport at all Council Leisure Centres.
Are you a Leisure For Life member? If not, register online today www.rctcbc.gov.uk
Keep up to date with the latest leisure and fitness news around Rhondda Cynon Taf by searching for and liking your local/preferred Council leisure centre on Facebook.
