EAST Lothian Swim Team’s head coach says he is “incredibly lucky” to lead the team after being awarded a certificate for his services to the sport by Scottish Swimming.

Jamie Ward was presented with a certificate for his services to swimming in East Lothian earlier this month at a meeting of Scottish Swimming’s national junior team at the University of Stirling.

The Musselburgh resident, who has been head coach of ELST for just over two years, was presented with the certificate by national team coach Ian Wright.

Speaking to Courier Sport about the award, Mr Ward said: “It’s great to be recognised; we’ve had a great year here at the team and we’re looking forward to what is still to come.

“The team is in a really good spot at the moment and we hope to continue to develop.”

The 34-year-old was a swimmer at Musselburgh Amateur Swimming Club (MASC) and also represented ELST.

READ MORE: East Lothian Swim Team wrap up year with fifth-place finish

He said: “I was only involved in the East Lothian team a few times and then I started coaching since I was 14. I took some time away from coaching eight or nine years ago and then the opportunity came here.

“I’m incredibly lucky to be a part of this team.

“I’m one of the few that is able to do this as a full-time job and can dedicate myself fully to it. It’s been a great experience so far. I love it.”

The citation for the award was put forward to Scottish Swimming by Ally Whike, former aquatics director with Scottish Swimming.

The citation read: “Jamie has led the East Lothian team from strength to strength since becoming the head coach of the programme.

“With the support of his coaching team, [he] coached athletes to a fourth place finish in the team competition at the Scottish National Age Group Championships and fifth place at the National League Division 1 Final.

“Jamie’s drive and enthusiasm along with his ability to engage positively with young people makes him extremely popular with his coaching groups. Consequently, Jamie was selected as head coach for the swimming team at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinbago and is also a lead coach on the Scottish Swimming National Programme.”