Nation’s top coaches honoured at 25th annual UK Coaching Awards

The awards – seen as the most prestigious within the coaching community – were created to recognise the remarkable contributions coaches make in providing high-quality coaching experiences, supporting people holistically on their journey through sport and physical activity, and promoting the physical and mental health of the nation.

From transforming lives and communities in the world of sport and physical activity, to blazing a trail for inclusion in all coaching environments, to celebrating the great coaching moments of the year in high performance sport, the coaching family was given a fitting celebration for their outstanding work.

The event recognised coaches such as the Lionesses' Sarina Wiegman, British Cycling's Simon Watt, and legendary UK Athletics coach Aston Moore for their invaluable contributions to the people and teams they coach, following a special year for major events and competitions, which included a home Commonwealth Games and Women's European Championships.

From the initial list of finalists in each category, worthy winners have been chosen for each of the following awards: 

• Change a Life award, supported by Sport England - Tony Kerr (paddlesports)
• Coach Developer of the Year - Brogan Jones (multi-sport)
• Coaching Chain - Laura Unsworth MBE's chain (Peter Westbrook, Jane Sixsmith MBE, Tim Barlow, Jerome Goudie, Danny Kerry MBE, Karen Brown MBE, Craig Parnham, David Ralph)
• Coaching Podcast of the Year - Walking on Air (nordic walking)
• Community Coach of the Year - Adults, supported by Sport England - Jordan Bedford (multi-sport)
• Community Coach of the Year - Children and Young People, supported by the Children’s Coaching Collaborative - Bob Mowlem (football)
• Great Coaching Moment, supported by Spond - Sarina Wiegman – England end 56 years of hurt with victory at Euro 2022 
• High Performance Coach of the Year, supported by UK Sport - Simon Watts (cycling)
• Inclusive Coaching Award, supported by sportscotland - Worcester RFC Mixed Ability (rugby union)
• Lifetime Achievement Award - Aston Moore (athletics)
• Lifetime Achievement Award - Jim Hunter (athletics)
• Mussabini Medallists - David Murdoch MBE (curling)
• Mussabini Medallists - Scott MacBain (Para Alpine Skiing)
• Online Coach of the Year - Beth Davidson (fencing)
• Talent Development Coach of the Year - Peter Maliphant (orienteering)
• Young Coach of the Year, supported by Reading Room - Lexie Williams (touch rugby / rugby union)

"I would like to extend a huge congratulations to all our winners. For our 25th UK Coaching Awards, the bar was raised once again, and it is so important that we acknowledge and thank all coaches, at all levels and in all settings, as they work tirelessly to support more people mentally and physically through physical activity and sport."

After the public voted for the Great Coaching Moment of the Year, it was the Lionesses’ Sarina Weigman who was crowned champion for ending England’s 56 years of hurt with victory at Euro 2022. Sarina said:

Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award Jim Hunter, was honoured for his outstanding service to participants with disabilities, saying:

The coaches of Great Britain hockey player Laura Unsworth MBE won the 2022 Coaching Chain award. Laura paid tribute to the coaches who have played such an instrumental role on her journey to becoming the most decorated British hockey player of all time. In a special video tribute she praised each of the seven coaches individually, plus her mentor Jane Sixsmith MBE, before adding:

"My coaches helped me become the player I am today. So a massive thank you to each and every one of you. Thank you for everything you have done for me."

Congratulations to all UK Coaching Awards 2022 winners and finalists.