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LAVic Farewells Beloved Bryan Neighbour



On behalf of the staff and Board of Little Athletics Victoria, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Neighbour family on the sudden passing of the beloved Bryan Neighbour on Monday evening.

Bryan’s involvement in athletics spanned many years, initially as an athlete and subsequently as a coach and mentor. Not only did he achieve the highest level coaching credentials in Australia, but Bryan was the Victorian ATFCA Coach Education Coordinator and was a major contributor to the ongoing development of coaching in Victoria.

Along with Bryan’s role as the ATFCA Coordinator, he was on the Education Committee of LAVic, playing an integral role in the Association’s programs of JDS, U11 Skills Clinic, and the U7 – U10 McDonald’s Clinic.

Bryan’s contribution to Little Athletics was outstanding; not only was he instrumental in changing our Multi-events to improve the pathway for athletes, but  his ability to relate to young athletes was a true testament of his gift to foster young talent. 

Education and development was the primary focus for Bryan and his commitment to coach education was unparalleled. In a recent publication, Bryan was described as being “a master in developing young talent”, a true reflection of the remarkable qualities, dedication, commitment and tireless hours that Bryan committed to athletes and coaches of all ages.

Despite his diagnosis, Bryan persevered doing what he did best- teaching, mentoring and passing on his wealth of knowledge. Those who knew Bryan and attended his recent Introduction to Coaching (Winter Workshops) witnessed a truly remarkable human being, someone who was well aware of his fate, yet had a singular purpose of passing on his remarkable library of resources to as many people as possible.  

At the end, his goal was a truly noble and passionate desire to help others.

In 2010 Bryan was awarded the prestigious, Henri Schubert award, presented by the ATFCA and Athletics Australia for his services in the role of coaching athletes and coach education. The following year Bryan was awarded the Little Athletics Victoria Coach of the Year for 2011.

LAVic is proud to announce that at the upcoming Centrefest in Bendigo, a coaching scholarship will be launched in Bryan’s honour.  Furthermore, to preserve Bryan’s legacy and his commitment to coaching, the inaugural Centre Coach of the Year will be renamed the Bryan Neighbour- Centre Coach of the Year.

We sincerely thank Bryan for his contribution to our sport and his memory and legacy will not be forgotten.