A sports coach from Glasgow has been crowned Young Coach of the Year award at a sportscotland ceremony.

Maleeha Khaliq was recognised for her dedication in empowering young girls from diverse backgrounds to engage in netball and other sports at Glasgow ANSAR.

She was honoured with the award at the sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering (COV) Awards 2024.

She has created an inclusive environment for girls, mainly from communities with limited sports opportunities to feel welcomed, valued, and motivated to achieve.

COV Awards 2024 winners (Image: sportscotland) Her efforts have broken barriers, allowing many who were previously disengaged from sport to enjoy its benefits.

The coach's commitment extends beyond training sessions.

She actively interacts with the girls' families and communities to highlight the importance of sports in their lives and has organised events and workshops to raise awareness about the positive impact of sports on physical and mental wellbeing.

She said: "I played netball from a young age with ANSAR until under-17s.

"I then got injured and couldn’t play any more so the founder of the club suggested I go through my coaching badges.

"I liked the idea of staying involved in netball and being a role model to other girls from diverse communities.

“To see the smiles on the girls faces each week, to see how much they enjoy it and how confident they become is so rewarding.”

The sportscotland COV Awards celebrate individuals who inspire and improve the lives of others and commit their time to make sport accessible to as many people as possible.

Nearly 300 nominations were received this year, spanning 34 different sports and all 32 local authorities.

Shazia Malik, chief executive officer of Glasgow ANSAR, said: “Representation is really important for Maleeha.

“The young girls at the club really look up to her because they see someone who’s passionate about sport, who looks like them and understands what their needs are having come from a similar community as them.”

Forbes Dunlop, chief executive of sportscotland, said: “Every year the Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the people across the country who have given so much of their time and dedication to Scottish sport and are making such an impact on their sport and their community.

“Individuals like Maleeha have dedicated a huge amount of their time to helping others realise their sporting potential.”