The nation’s best coaches announced as finalists for the UK Coaching Awards

With the awards ceremony last year having been held virtually, UK Coaching will be hosting an in-person awards this year, taking place in Leeds on 7 December.

The showpiece event is regarded as one of the most prestigious within the coaching community and will recognise the remarkable contribution coaches make in transforming lives in communities nationwide – not only by delivering exceptional technical coaching but stepping up to support participants mentally and emotionally as we transition out of the pandemic.

From hundreds of nominations, an independent judging panel made up of experts from across the sport and physical activity landscape has carefully deliberated and selected the following finalists:

Awards for Coaches

The following categories will be awarded to coaches:

Changing Lives Award

• Andrew Joyce (water sports – Dorset)
• Joe Lockley (boxing – Telford)
• Rhona Wilson (multi-sport – Cowdenbeath)

Community Coach of the Year – Children and Young People

• Marc Tamlyn (archery – Didcot)
• Marcus Cabeca (capoeira – Kingston)
• Sean Ross (boxing – Hull)

Community Coach of the Year – Adults  

• Alice Tribedi (multi-sport – Ruislip)
• Tania Skerritt (multi-sport – Warwickshire)
• Yvonne Bignall (Nordic Walking and multi-sport – Radstock, Somerset)

High Performance Coach of the Year

• Craig Morris (canoe slalom – Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire)
• Richard Morris (para-badminton – Sheffield)
• Scott Hann MBE (gymnastics – Essex)

Talent Development Coach of the Year

• Josh Atkins (swimming – High Wycombe)
• Julie Maiden (netball – Milton Keynes)
• Matthew Puddy (swimming – Bristol)

Young Coach of the Year

• Hannah Campbell (triathlon & swimming – Edinburgh)
• Kieran Trimmer (swimming – High Wycombe)
• Tor Freeman (basketball – Bedfordshire)

Awards in Support of Coaches

The following categories will be awarded in support of coaches:

Coach Developer of the Year

• Andi Revell (gymnastics – Sunderland)
• Andrew Noble (multi-sport – Sheffield)
• Wasim Collins (multi-sport – Newcastle)

Coaching for an Active Life Award

• Access Sport’s Wingz Disability Inclusion Project
• Our Parks

Transforming Coaching Award

• Boing Kids
• Coach Core Foundation
• Our Parks

Find out more about the finalists: Read their Bios here

“The complications and anxieties caused by the pandemic have affected so many, but coaches have been there every step of the way ready and willing to adapt – not just persevering but excelling. Out of the nation’s darkest moments, coaches have stepped up to be leaders and mentors to their participants, when they needed it most – and that is what great coaching is all about.

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

The UK Coaching Awards recognise and reward great coaching from a diverse array of backgrounds, honouring people and organisations that demonstrate the role #GreatCoaching plays in transforming lives and making the nation a healthier and happier place.

Browse our website to find out more about UK Coaching and the impact coaches make in communities across the country.