Finalists announced as the nation’s best coaches get ready for the 25th annual UK Coaching Awards

The annual showpiece is an unforgettable occasion where coaches nationwide are recognised for their incredible contribution in transforming lives and communities across their sport.

The Awards – regarded as the most prestigious within the coaching community – has for the past 25 years been a celebration of the tremendous impact of great coaches and great coaching – from delivering high quality technical coaching and improving physical capabilities, to supporting people holistically on their journey through sport and physical activity.

For this anniversary year, the awards ceremony will be held on 6th December at The Queens Hotel in Leeds.

From the nominations, an expert judging panel has carefully deliberated and selected the following finalists.

Awards for Coaches

The following categories will be awarded to coaches:

Change a Life Award, supported by Sport England

• Adam Romaine (parkour)
• Stephanie Buchanan (equestrian)
• Tony Kerr (paddlesports)

Community Coach of the Year – Adults, supported by Sport England

• Byron-lee Durkin White (wheelchair rugby)
• Heidi Blunden (cycling)
• Jordan Bedford (multi-sport)

Community Coach of the Year - Children and Young People, supported by the Children’s Coaching Collaborative

• Bob Mowlem (football)
• John Daily (multi-sport)
• Kady Chatman (equestrian)

High Performance Coach of the Year, supported by UK Sport

• Alexandre Rochas (diving)
• Simon Watts (cycling)
• Tracy Whittaker-Smith MBE (gymnastics)

Online Coach of the Year

• Beth Davidson (fencing)
• Janette Cardy (multi-sport)

Talent Development Coach of the Year

• Peter Maliphant (orienteering)
• Stephanie Gill (archery)
• Vlada Priestman (archery)

Young Coach of the Year, supported by Reading Room

• Callum Windsor (parkour)
• Calum McCallum (multi-sport / rugby union)
• Lexie Williams (touch rugby / rugby union)

Awards in Support of Coaches

The following categories will be awarded in support of coaches:

Coach Developer of the Year

• Brogan Jones (multi-sport)
• Jesse Engelbrecht (squash)
• Simon Kirkland (multi-sport)

Coaching Podcast of the Year

• Locked In Shed (snowsports)
• Parkour Coach Companion (parkour)
• Walking on Air (nordic walking)

Inclusive Coaching Award, supported by sportscotland

• Camp Inspire (multi-sport)
• Sense Sport & Physical Activity Programme - Midlands (multi-sport)
• Worcester RFC Mixed Ability (rugby union)

Find out more about the finalists: Read their Bios here

“It is so important that we acknowledge and thank our coaches as they work tirelessly to support more people into physical activity and sport across all levels - to help build communities, tackle inequalities and inspire people to be the best they can be, whatever their aspirations.

“This year has been a special one for major events and competitions like the Commonwealth Games and Women’s European Championships that have delivered outstanding performances from athletes and coaches alike.

“A huge thank you, to all our coaches across the UK, and to our finalists. We are all looking forward to celebrating your achievements in December.”

Find out more about this year’s finalists and the awards by heading to ukcoaching.org/uk-coaching-awards