Widely regarded as the pinnacle of recognition within the coaching community, the UK Coaching Awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary contributions of coaches across all levels of sport and physical activity.
This year’s ceremony honoured an outstanding group of winners, showcasing their transformative impact on individuals, teams, and communities. The event also paid tribute to the lifetime achievement of Snowsport England’s John Shedden, the legendary coaching chain of Katarina Johnson-Thompson and a truly exceptional moment in coaching: Paul Moseley's instrumental role in guiding Hannah Cockroft to gold in the T34 100m and 800m in Paris to maintain her perfect Paralympic record.
Throughout the evening, heartfelt tributes from those whose lives have been changed by these coaches highlighted the profound and lasting influence of their work, bringing their legacy to life.
From the list of finalists in each category, worthy winners were chosen for each of the following awards:
Change a Life Award, supported by Sport England
- Dr Nana Badu (Multi-sport)
Coach Developer of the Year, supported by British Gymnastics
- Lisa Williams (Basketball)
Community Coach of the Year (Adults), supported by Sport England
- Claire Lambton (Multi-sport)
Community Coach of the Year (Children and Young People), supported by the Children’s Coaching Collaborative and Play Their Way
High Performance Coach of the Year, supported by UK Sport
- Trevor Painter (Athletics)
Inclusive Coaching
- Sense Active Sensory Sport Programme (Multi-sport)
Online Coach of the Year
- Louise Walden-Edwards (Figure Skating)
Talent Development Coach of the Year
- Mark Stevenson (Wheelchair Basketball)
Young Coach of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
- John Shedden (Snowsports)
Great Coaching Moment
- Paul Moseley for playing a pivotal role in Hannah Cockroft's 'golden double' and helping her maintain her perfect Paralympic record and clinch her ninth gold medal.
Coaching Chain – Katarina Johnson-Thompson
- Richard Coakley
- Jo Hardiman
- Gayle Gilbert
- Val Rutter
- Stephen Carroll
- Stan Roberts
- Mike Holmes
- Jean-Yves Cochand
- Betrand Valcin
- Bruno Gajer
- Aston Moore MBE
A special Posthumous Award was also presented to Dr Wendy Bowring in honour of her late husband, former Welsh international Rugby Union player and head coach Kevin Bowring. Kevin was a cherished member of the coaching community and a passionate advocate for coaching people first and foremost.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt tribute from former England head coach Stuart Lancaster, who was a close friend of Kevin's, which was broadcast to honour Kevin’s legacy.