A longtime sporting enthusiast was yesterday rewarded for his efforts as a volunteer coach who has spent many years helping teenagers improve their skills in netball and football.

Anthony Mouchette spends more than ten hours a week as a netball coach, working with the Smooth and Easy Tigers – a team of players between the ages of 14 and 18 – and Bermuda's Under-16 women's national team.

An additional five hours is added to his coaching schedule during the football season when he serves as a referee in that sport and also in boxing.

"I think doing sports helps develop character and discipline for kids," said Mr. Mouchette. "It helps them release frustrations.

"Being active in a sport offers youths a way to show their physical talents. There is also a two-way relationship in coaching. The kids all learn from me, but I learn from them as well."

Bermuda CableVision presented the career policeman with a Community Service Award for his efforts.

The award is presented by the company every three months to an individual who has shown outstanding community service.

In honour of Mr. Mouchette's endeavours, CableVision is making a $1,000 donation to the Bermuda Netball Association in his name. "Anthony Mouchette has a lot to offer youths participating in sports," said CableVision head Terry Roberson. "He is a role model through his work in the Police Service.

"He is also a role model through his athletic endeavours. He gives up a great deal of his time each week to help train young athletes, and apart from learning how to succeed in sports, they can pick up a few life lessons from Mr. Mouchette.

"It is because of his commitment and generosity that CableVision is pleased to honour him today with a CableVision Community Service Award."

Environment and Sports Minister Elvin James also attended the presentation.

He praised Mr. Mouchette on the ongoing leadership and encouragement that he offers the netball athletes: "The benefits Bermuda's youth receive through participating in sports can last their entire life.

"The time and effort Mr. Mouchette gives to our young athletes is commendable."

A CableVision spokesperson explained Mr. Mouchette's initial involvement. "In 2003, when Bermuda's netball team was preparing for a championship game in Jamaica, Mr. Mouchette was asked to be the team's physical trainer.

"He didn't know a lot about the sport, but accepted the position and immersed himself in creating drills for the players. The next year, he committed to volunteer as the assistant coach. He has never looked back."

Mr. Mouchette explained his dedication, describing public acknowledgement of his efforts as "an honour". "I have been a police officer for 28 years, and am a trained hostage negotiator and disaster management coordinator," he said. "However, I have always had the desire to be a teacher.

"I find that by coaching this young team, I am able to share my skills and knowledge with them. "I also get to live out my dream of being a teacher by coaching these kids.

"I have a five-year-old daughter, Azarea, who I love to spend time with. Some of the kids I coach don't have fathers in their lives, so sometimes I am a father figure for them as well.

"I have been coaching the same young team for over three years, and they keep coming back. I must be doing something decent. It is an honour to be recognised and to receive the CableVision Community Service award today."