SONICS COACH WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

Bristol Sonics Head Coach Karl Fearnley has been named ‘Coach Of The Year’ in the Rugby Football League’s prestigious National Volunteer Awards 2010.
 
The National Volunteer Awards recognise the tireless efforts and achievements of the men and women up and down the country who do so much for the community game in the UK. 
 
Sonics’ stalwart Fearnley, who has done much to develop Rugby League in Bristol over the last 5 years, will receive his award at Wembley Stadium before the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final on August 28.
 
Fearnley said: “I’m delighted to have received this award, but I see it as an award to the whole club, rather than myself. This year so many people have become involved in our coaching team, and they deserve this award just as much as me. I’d like to put on record my thanks to Dom Swann, Johan Schoeman, Stafford Lloyd, Sam Barker and all the other coaches who work so hard for the Sonics.”
 
Bristol Sonics Chairman Phil Cole said: “Our congratulations go to Karl on winning this prestigious award. Like many of our volunteers, Karl has worked tirelessly for the Sonics for many years with little reward. I hope he enjoys his day at Wembley – it’s deserved.”
 
Since taking over as Bristol Sonics' Head Coach in 2005, Fearnley and assistant coach Dom Swann have transformed the fortunes of the club. Regional RLC Midlands titles in 2007 and 2008 were followed by an appearance in the national Regional RLC Grand Final in 2008. Fearnley and Swann have also been instrumental in developing junior and youth Rugby League in Bristol, delivering coaching in schools and setting up the successful Bristol Sonics Academy for would-be teenage players.
 
Next weekend, Fearnley will turn his attention to winning another trophy for the Sonics - the Cooperative Rugby League Conference Midlands Premier title. His Bristol side take on Coventry Bears in the 2010 Grand Final after overcoming Leicester Storm 16-8 in the semi-final on Saturday.