By Helen Thompson

Last updated at 13:20, Tuesday, 27 July 2010

Craig Barker has bagged his first accolade in the coaching arena – after being crowned National Youth League coach of the year.

Craig 'Butch' Barker

The Workington Town assistant coach took over the reins of the West Cumbria Under-18s last season and guided them to league and play-off success – and it made the rest of the country sit up and take note.

And he was overwhelmed at being recognised by the National Youth League at their annual awards.

“I was a bit taken aback and really shocked,” said Barker. “This is the first real award I have won for coaching.

“I do take coaching really seriously but I also try to strike the balance with whoever I’m coaching.

“I have been in two environments, the under-18s and at Workington Town so it is important that I wore the right cap at the right time and hopefully this means I managed to pull it off.”

Barker, who has now taken over at Cumberland League outfit Ellenborough Rangers, said it was a real boost to his confidence.

“It gives me more confidence that I am doing something right and the players are responding to it,” he added. “This just caps off a really good year for me.

“I always wanted to go into coaching and for the under-18s to achieve what they did was great.

“Now I have another challenge with Ellenborough. It will be totally different because I will be managing a varied age groups, from 16/17 year-olds in their first season of open age rugby, through to players who have been around for a long time.

“But it is all about going in with fresh ideas and proving to them that I want them to succeed.

“It is also about developing them, getting them back focussed and enjoying their rugby league and the results will follow.”

Barker was with the West Cumbria Under-18s for two years, first as assistant and then head coach but he has stepped down from that role this season, to undertake the Ellenborough challenge but he still remains with Workington Town.

“I wanted something else to get my teeth into but whoever steps up into that role is inheriting a good team and hopefully they can keep the momentum and winning ways going for West Cumbria,” he added.

First published at 11:26, Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk