“Advocate for our sport”, Tom Friar wins BASC Shotgun Coach of the Year

Kent-based shotgun coach Tom Friar has won the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) Shotgun Coach of the Year award, being presented the shield at this year’s Weston Park County Fair.

Usually found teaching at the Kent and Sussex Shooting School and West Kent Shooting School, Tom Friar has been volunteering with BASC for eight years.

In its fourth year the award seeks to celebrate and reward those coaches that give up countless hours of their time to introduce new entrants to the sport.

Over the last eight years Tom has joined BASC at county fairs, educational days and agricultural college events.

The awards are open to all accredited shotgun coaches and nominations are public led.

Tom Friar, who lives in Bexleyheath, Kent, said: “First of all, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate me for the award. I’m grateful for you taking the time to do so, and I would like you all to know that I really enjoyed coaching you.

“Education is key to making sure shooting sports have a strong and bright future, and I have no doubt that if we strive to be the best coaches we can be, future generations will have the opportunity to have the same great experiences we have had in our own journey.”

BASC head of training and education, Dr Peter Marshall, said: “The work that the BASC shotgun coach volunteers do every year is very much appreciated and we hope that this award goes in some small way to show our appreciation. Tom’s work has helped introduced hundreds if not thousands to shooting in a safe and educational setting.

“Tom, like so many others, are advocates for our sport and we are incredibly thankful for their continued service.”