Award nomination for junior sports champion

Josh Walsh

A NEW Norfolk man has been named as a semi-finalist in the community service and volunteering category of this year's Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards.

Josh Walsh, 26, was nominated for the award as a result of his decade-long contribution to junior sport in the Derwent Valley. He is a volunteer coach and team co-ordinator for the New Norfolk Cricket Club and has also coached junior football and played senior football with New Norfolk.

"Year after year, [he] comes straight from work at the local school, to run training several nights a week plus gives up weekends attending games," his nominator said, adding that Josh also gives generously to players who don't have any gear or struggle to get to games.

"Josh volunteers his time to attend training, games, co-ordinate teams, mentor young players and support families to be a part of the club," the nominator said. "Josh's dedication to involving kids in junior sport is the Derwent Valley is unrivaled.

"Josh has an incredible rapport with the kids, encouraging first-time players in the same way as talented naturals. He goes out of his way to make the sport as affordable as possible, and supports families to understand the rules and be engaged in their child's sport."

Winners of the Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards will be announced on May 22. The next round of judging on March 11 will determine the finalists in each category. The community service and volunteering category is sponsored by Heather and Christopher Chong.