A-Star Sports doubles up in MITK Awards
Over the last two months, local network Mums in the Know has been hosting its awards across the UK. After receiving over 3,000 nominations and 15,000 votes, the network of readers has decided on its favourite local activities for children – and A-Star Sports has won two awards: Best After School Activity Class and Best Class for 2 – 4 Year Olds.
Local organisation TRIM won the MITK Local Star category and Dads Rock was also commended.
The awards have highlighted the talents of Brian Droudge, owner of two A-Star Sports franchises, through a number of parents’ nominations showcased via the Mums in the Know website, which included being a finalist in a third category – MITK Local Star.
Brian said: “It’s so rewarding to have our coaching highlighted in such a positive way and means a great deal that people have taken the time to vote and given such amazing feedback, too. All of us in the Edinburgh team are passionate about what we do and we take a lot of pride in making physical activity and sport as fun, accessible and enjoyable as it can be.”
Having left school at 16, Brian spent the next 15 years working for large life assurance companies. He also played semi-professional football from the age of 18, as well as managed and coached at various clubs. He has now been coaching physical activity and sports to primary aged children for over ten years and has a great pride in seeing their skills and love of sports grow and develop. He explains: “For me, influencing children’s development on a weekly basis gives me a great buzz, job satisfaction and a very positive feeling about the work I do.”
Brian runs A-Star Sports in Edinburgh South & East, Midlothian and East Lothian as well as Edinburgh North, West and surrounding areas, and employs assistant coaches as part of his multi-sports specialist team.
Following the recent merger of A-Star Sports with leading children’s physical activity provider Sports Xtra, Brian and his team will shortly be introducing an additional range of local activities and ‘Xperiences’ for primary aged children.
Award-winning businesses receive a free article in the winners’ section of the MITK website, social media mentions, window stickers, logo and additional advertising offers.
Over 3000 nominations were received and 15,000 votes cast in this year’s Mums in the Know North Edinburgh Awards. The winners were:
Best Soft Play: Clambers at Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh
with a special mention to Tumbles, Edinburgh Leisure and Tiki Tots who were also nominated.
Best Class for 0 -2 Year Olds: Monkey Music, Comely Bank Murrayfield and Corstorphine
And a special mention to Music with Jackie and Tinies with Daisy Foundation Edinburgh East who were also nominated.
Best Class for 2 – 4 Year Olds: A-Star Sports Edinburgh North, West and Surrounding Areas
And a special mention to Shuffle Dance Edinburgh and Sparkle Arts who were also nominated.
Best After School Activity Class: A-Star Sports Edinburgh North, West and Surrounding Areas
And a special mention to best Step It Up Dance and Zoo Arts Extra who were also nominated.
Best Place to Eat for Families: Pizza Express Stockbridge
And a special mention to Tony Macaroni, Omni Centre and Vittoria Group who were also nominated.
MITK Local Star: Tenants and Residents in Muirhouse (TRIM) ‘this group really go the extra mile to help the residents and local community’.
And a special mention to Brian Droudge, A-Star Sports Edinburgh North, West and Surrounding Areas and to Dads Rock who were also nominated.
Congratulations to you all!