“Legendary” PE teacher Roy Mackay has retired from Harrogate Grammar School after 32 years.
During his career at the school, the Scotsman taught thousands of children sport — and is best known for his passion for rugby union.
He is a distinguished rugby coach, coaching countless teams of boys and girls at the school. He also coached North England, Scottish Exiles and Yorkshire junior sides.
Mr Mackay has coached thousands of students over more than three decades
Several of his former Harrogate Grammar School pupils have gone on to play the sport professionally, including Martyn Wood who represented England and played for Wasps and Bath.
Hundreds of pupils at the school have enjoyed the sports tours Roy has organised, to countries such as the Republic of Ireland, Holland, Canada, USA, Italy, Austria and Switzerland.
He was also pivotal in starting girls’ rugby at the school.
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Richard Sheriff, CEO of the Red Kite Learning Trust, said:
“Roy is dedicated, charismatic, compassionate and utterly dedicated to supporting young people in taking an active part in the game.
“Over the last four decades Roy has volunteered many hours of his time which reflects the sheer selflessness and endless enthusiasm he has brought to Harrogate Grammar School and wider community. Roy has been a father figure to thousands of students.
“He works with the same enthusiasm with beginners in Year 7 as he does with the elite of the first 15 in the Sixth Form. He seeks no personal glory or attention but quietly goes about his business giving countless hours of his own time in the service of young people and rugby.”
