A young rugby coach from Bala, who has almost single-handedly developed women and girls’ rugby in her community, is in line for recognition after being nominated for a UK-wide 2021 National Lottery Award.

Twenty-year-old Tirion Thomas from Bala has been shortlisted in the Sport Category of this year’ National Lottery Awards for spearheading the development of women and girls’ rugby in her local community, and inspiring the next generation of sportswomen, athletes and coaches.

The National Lottery Awards are the annual search for the UK’s favourite National Lottery funded people and projects and they celebrate the inspirational individuals and groups who?do?extraordinary things in their community, especially during these challenging times.

Tirion, who started off by setting up a female rugby side when she attended Ysgol y Berwyn in Bala, is one of only five individuals from across the UK shortlisted in the sports category.

Such has been the success, she now coaches three different age groups for girls at Clwb Rygbi Bala.

She is a key figure driving forward the National Lottery funded Young Ambassador Programme in Wales, which aims to empower young ambassadors as role models who encourage others to share their love of sport, developing a generation of well-rounded young leaders. She was recently appointed onto the National Young Ambassador Steering Group for Wales.

Despite the many challenges brought by the pandemic, Tirion has continued to be a role model for other young people, selflessly giving up her time to help others enjoy sport while also studying midwifery at Swansea University.

During the last year, she has also turned her attention to helping fellow coaches by creating a young coaches’ network.

Thrilled to be nominated, Tirion said: “Bala is a relatively small town and there weren’t that many sporting opportunities for younger children, especially girls. I wanted to give them the opportunities to do the sport they love that weren’t initially there for me when I was growing up. I’ve been able to do that with the support of The National Lottery. I’m beyond excited to have been considered a finalist – especially when you see how many nominations there were from across the UK!”

This year, more than 1,500 people were nominated for a National Lottery Award in recognition of the work they have carried out with the help of National Lottery funding.

Next month a panel, made up of representatives of The National Lottery and partners, will decide the winners in each category from a shortlist of five.

Winners will be revealed in the autumn and will receive a £3,000 cash prize for their organisation and a coveted National Lottery Awards trophy.

Jonathan?Tuchner, from The National Lottery, said: “Since 1994, The National Lottery has made a huge positive impact on life across the UK.

“Thanks?to National Lottery?players and?the £36 million raised each?week?for good causes,?thousands of organisations are making an incredible impact and difference in their local areas.?

“The National Lottery Awards honour those who have stepped up and stood out like Tirion, who work tirelessly for their community. They deserve great praise and our thanks for their incredible work.”