Our Awards

Motivated by a passion to see young people succeed in sport and life, Nana’s coaching sessions offer outstanding opportunities for all participants.

His transformational approach to PE coaching nurtures self-worth and instils confidence. The driving force behind Badu – an organisation offering access to high-quality opportunities for underserved communities – Nana ensures every young person recognises their ability and has the chance to thrive.

People from global majority backgrounds, attendees at Nana’s Boys to Men club – a safe space to discuss mental health and tackle negative behaviour – and participants in women-only sessions are empowered by holistic coaching and mentoring.

Nana’s community initiatives and free sports festivals ensure all ages and abilities can participate, and several of his athletes have gone on to achieve significant success, some at international level.

John D’Ambrosio (Judo)

Multiple medal-winning judoka John D’Ambrosio has been a member of Hamilton Judo Club since 1965 and his inspirational coaching of disability judo and at junior and senior levels has been of significant benefit to many.

John was instrumental in the creation of his club’s inclusion programme in 2019, which offers judo sessions to 45 children and adults with wide-ranging disabilities and additional support needs. A firm believer that people of all ages and abilities should have the opportunity to learn fundamental and transferable movement skills, John also campaigns tirelessly for inclusion.

With his confidence-building coaching and guidance, the club’s participants engage in fun weekly sessions appropriate to their needs to develop their skills, health and fitness, and achieve things they and their carers never thought possible.

Thomas Jones (Cricket)

Recognised by his participants as a person-centred, innovative and welcoming cricket coach, Tom’s approach to coaching has resulted in even shy attendees expressing excitement to return. His caring nature builds trust and confidence – with the family of a transgender student expressing gratitude for mental health support.

Inspiring the next generation, Tom has introduced cricket to young people with learning difficulties and worked with stakeholders in Liverpool’s Chinese community to incorporate cricket into activity camps.

An organiser of a junior festival, his practices and social media presence enable game-wide participation. Undeterred by the global pandemic, Tom launched a family quiz; the springboard to 100+ episodes of the cricketcoach365 podcast. Project lead for the installation of an artificial wicket, he has facilitated further community involvement in cricket.

A leader in her locality, Claire’s fun football and multi-sport sessions and her work with the W Group, a thriving programme across Newcastle and Gateshead, provide outstanding support for women’s mental and physical health.

Drawing on her own experiences with mental health, Claire creates a supportive environment for women to focus on their well-being while enjoying physical exercise and stress-relief activities.

Recognising the challenges faced by new mums, Claire also formed Active Mums to allow mothers to exercise with their babies.

Claire has improved lives and strengthened community bonds in areas of deprivation, where physical activity opportunities are limited. Further, her involvement in other coaching initiatives highlights the importance she places on participants, community support, and the power of physical activity.

Elena Rodolfi (Swimming; Triathlon)

Swimming and triathlon coach Elena has had a profound impact on her community, empowering global majority participants to overcome deep-rooted fears and traumas associated with water. In the past two years, over 100 of her athletes have completed a triathlon!

Recognising the anxieties her students experience, Elena uses a collaborative and participatory approach to coaching, supporting participants to reach their potential. She is credited with breaking down barriers, transforming people’s relationship with exercise and creating lasting change. Her empathetic nature and cultural understanding have enabled her to build trust and camaraderie.

Elena is driving systemic change by promoting inclusivity and challenging underrepresentation in swimming and triathlon. Further, her commitment to training new coaches is creating a legacy within her community.

Aura Chacón Godoy (Multi-sport)

Aura’s passion for supporting people of all backgrounds and abilities to participate in sport and maintain regular levels of activity shines bright.

Her inclusive Leicester City in the Community sessions promote connection and foster a sense of belonging among members of ethnically diverse communities, breaking down barriers, increasing levels of confidence and enabling people to overcome barriers to participation and realise their potential. She also leads programmes specifically designed for women.

Having moved to the UK from Venezuela in 2008, Aura’s person-centred, holistic approach promotes engagement and social cohesion, making her a role model for people settling into a new culture and navigating language barriers. Many of her participants have credited her with helping them become more active, confident and socially connected.

Over an impressive 35+ year career, Hannah has supported an average of 200 people each year to enjoy learning to row in an environment that prioritises individual needs, ambitions and experiences, and to develop useful life skills, such as the ability to work effectively in a team.

Hannah has created innovative solutions to enable more young people to participate, such as a ‘pay it forward’ membership to help fund participation for others, and by enabling kit to be earned through reaching milestones instead of bought.

Effective questioning encourages participants to gain confidence, be reflective, and use their voices to shape sessions. Effective goal setting alongside encouraging participants to choose their own challenges for each session empowers them to take ownership of their journeys in sport and physical activity.

Kiran Wiltshire (Basketball)

As Head Basketball Coach at Tudor Grange Samworth Academy with Greenhouse Sports, Kiran’s person-centred, holistic coaching, which includes mindfulness, yoga, and opportunities for creative expression, has had a transformative impact on her students, nurturing their physical, emotional and mental health.

In just one year, Kiran’s ability to connect with her students has enabled her to become a trusted mentor, recognised for helping students navigate personal challenges.

Kiran’s dedication has kept students engaged in sport and education, particularly impactful in an area known for high levels of deprivation and socio-economic challenges. Her programme has also provided students with a sense of purpose and belonging, helping to create a positive, supportive school culture and ensure that students feel comfortable with sharing their views and contributing to sessions.

Edward Colman-Roberts (Martial Arts)

Edward’s sincere and unwavering dedication to supporting participants to develop self-belief and resilience alongside martial arts skills has had a profound impact on the lives of his participants, whether they’re new to the sport, struggling with their confidence or aiming for competitive success.

Edward regularly makes changes to sessions based on feedback, ensuring that every child feels valued and heard, while also encouraging co-creation. He has also encouraged peer mentoring, building confidence and creating a supportive environment.

In the past seven years, Edward’s athletes have won 63 gold medals at the Junior British Championships, alongside international success. Harrison Seaward became the WKO World Open Junior Kickboxing Vice-Champion in 2023, and Sian White won a silver medal at the ITF World Junior Taekwon-Do Cup in 2022.

The coach of multiple medal-winning runner and recently crowned Olympic and European 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson for the last six years, Trevor Painter is an athletics coach who cares, plans and delivers.

Demonstrating time and again his athlete-centred coaching skills and race-planning acumen, his high-performance approach and collaborative sessions – bringing in other dedicated coaches and physios where necessary – ensure the very best platform for success. In addition to Hodgkinson’s Olympic gold in Paris – the first in a track event for Team GB since 2016 – Trevor’s Parisian delight continued thanks to medal-winning performances from Georgia Bell (after a six-year break from athletics) and Lewis Davey.

Trevor currently coaches a group of 30+ athletes, seven of whom are ranked in the top 10 in their gender or age category.

Karen Jane Thorpe (Artistic Swimming)

Leading the national programme for artistic swimming, Karen’s person-centred, solution-focused approach to coaching and active role in the development of her athletes have grown the sport in Great Britain and delivered significant success, culminating in a historic silver medal for Isabelle Thorpe and Kate Shortman at this year’s Paris Olympic Games.

She has consistently coached athletes on national and international stages, including to World Cup gold and podium finishes in World and European championships. Karen’s communicative and adaptable coaching style has created a high-performance environment for all. Her advocacy for gender inclusivity has expanded the sport’s reach, highlighted by Ranjuo Tomblin being crowned European champion in the male solo event this summer.

Many of Karen’s proteges remain connected to artistic swimming as coaches, officials, practitioners and mentors.

Adam Elliott (Triathlon)

Adam’s success is reflected in the achievements of those under his tutelage, making him one of the world’s top triathlon coaches. Through his innovation and passion for consistency and performance, he has formed long-standing coaching relationships, and his selfless approach continues to promote a high-performance mentality and develop the coaches and athletes of tomorrow.

Liv Mathias’ podium-challenging break-away performance at the London SuperTri event against the world’s best athletes, a fantastic year on the world stage for Sophie Coldwell, and Alex Yee’s accomplishments at the Paris Olympic Games – winning the men’s individual race and helping the GB mixed team relay secure bronze – are testament to Adam’s dedication and coaching prowess. Additionally, Yee later became only the second man to win both Olympic gold and the World Triathlon Series title in the same year.

Innovative figure skating and fitness coach Louise traverses time zones delivers engaging, holistic Zoom sessions enriched by her empathetic delivery and unwavering dedication to exercise for all, from aspirational champion skaters to those craving social connection.

Louise supports participants from 7 to 81 years of age to realise specific goals in an accountable, safe environment, and has ensured that neurodiverse participants and people who have experienced barriers to participation feel welcome and empowered, forging strong community bonds.

Podium placings at world and national figure skating championships rank among her students’ achievements, while Louise’s commitment has seen her nominated for a range of awards.

An Inclusive Skating Safety Advisor, Louise has established a strong online presence through the creation of free-to-access workouts, classes and communities.

Robert Mayes (Indoor Rowing)

With a blended approach to coaching, Robert has developed a strong online presence and in-person connection in indoor rowing. His live Instagram sessions, multi-platform functionality and recordings enables his inclusive club to serve a community, improve skills and develop active lifestyles.

Everyone can access free technical assistance as part of Robert’s coaching, with a focus on fun, enjoyment and progression. His supportive sessions offer enlightening content, with accessible competitions, chats and celebrations of individual achievements building confidence and overcoming anxieties.

Robert’s solution-focused coaching and active listening have helped people utilise technology, rekindled their passion for the sport, and improved fitness levels.

Recognising that not everyone has access to a rowing machine, Robert ensured that his adaptable, educational sessions can also be enjoyed on a bike.

Valentina de Pascale (Multi-sport)

Cutting-edge technology and sustainable coaching programmes ensure the triathletes and multi-sport participants Valentina teaches benefit from her expertise.

Her versatility and dedication to person-centred coaching have reaped rewards for both schoolchildren and athletes in Ironman competitions.

Valentina’s understanding of tech has enriched the experience of her sessions. She utilises TrainingPeaks to meticulously plan, monitor and customise workouts; Zwift to ensure collaborative workouts, social support and interactivity; and Best Bike Split – an innovative, data-driven app – for meticulous planning.

Effective sessions, tailored strategies and innovative methods demonstrate her devotion to coaching and have fostered long-term commitment. 

A certified Menopause Awareness Champion who offers support to women navigating perimenopause and menopause, Valentina has formed inclusive environments where everyone feels valued, regardless of background or experience.

Mark has developed generations of talent and provided fantastic opportunities to many basketball and wheelchair basketball participants.

His individualised practices are highly valued by those he supports and inspires. Mark’s technical and tactical focus, twinned with his whole-person view to enhance lives, have enabled his athletes to thrive and achieve sustained success, including a triumph at under-18 level at the British Wheelchair Basketball National Junior Championships, and Lothian Phoenix Wheelchair Basketball Club’s promotion to the top league. He plays a significant part in the development of a positive culture.

Various coaching roles with Great Britain deliver collaborative personal development plans and see transition through the talent pathway. Mark’s work to establish a tiered coaching system has helped foster links with European clubs and secure professional contracts for academy graduates.

Simone Gould (Netball)

Young girls’ netball is thriving in north-west Wales thanks to the support of Simone.

Head coach of a regional academy, Simone has ensured a positive journey for many girls, including those representing Wales at under-15 to under-19 levels, and national academy recruitment. By dedicating 500 hours of her time, Simone has created enriching experiences and improved player skills.

With opportunities to play against teams like Manchester Thunder, her athletes have enjoyed much success. Earlier this year, Simone’s under-17s reigned supreme – and unbeaten – in a tournament.

Simone’s positive sessions enhance netball knowledge and empower young girls on and off the court. Her passion for those she coaches is demonstrated in the roles she occupies. Coach of Menai Bridge under-11s to under-16s and supporting trials for county level highlight her dedication to emerging talent.

Oleksandra Shkoda (Rhythmic Gymnastics)

A gymnast for 15 years, during which time she represented Ukraine, Oleksandra is well-placed to share her experiences as part of tailored training programmes to ensure young talent can thrive in a safe environment.

Instrumental in the development of gymnasts from her home nation seeking refuge following the outbreak of war, she wholeheartedly supports their progression through rhythmic gymnastics.

Strength gains, increased performance levels and a heightened sense of well-being prepare her athletes for international competition. Oleksandra’s confidence-building and personalised goal setting and training, with regular feedback sessions and time for self-reflection, have seen her gymnasts pursue their dreams and positively progress through the sport’s talent pathway, winning a multitude of English and British honours.

She has coached members of the English Espoir squad and other gymnasts to personal bests and significant milestones. 

Multi-sport coach Zain has a remarkable ability to connect with young people on a personal level. His tailored and dynamic coaching sessions in global majority communities and areas facing significant socio-economic challenges promote engagement in sport, making a lasting impression and enabling people to shape their own journeys.

Calling on personal experience, Zain’s outstanding coaching methods ensure young people realise their sports and academic potential. Taking time to actively listen and fully understand cultural challenges and life pressures, Zain’s provision of a safe space, passion for helping others and ability to address negative behaviours like gang violence, provide empowerment and a lifeline for many young people in and around Birmingham.

The skills and confidence he’s nurtured have led to further education, employment and leadership opportunities.

Jennifer Mendonca (Boxing)

Young people of Bristol enjoy the innovation and engagement that boxing coach Jennifer Mendonca offers as part of Empire Fighting Chance, learning valuable life skills in the process.

She has worked directly with hundreds of individuals from deprived backgrounds and addressed significant issues such as gang violence and substance misuse to build a resilient community and transform lives.

Jennifer’s forward-thinking, versatile coaching gives young people a voice, offers a safe space, builds trusting relationships, provides emotional support and develops skill, combining boxing drills with the practicalities of life so they can achieve education goals and find employment.

Her integration of non-contact boxing and focus on psychological support and well-being reflect her creative approach. Future generations are well-equipped thanks to Jennifer’s onward mentoring.

Chauncey Taylor (Multi-sport)

Chauncey’s life experiences, from a troubled youth in prison to a key figure in his community, are testament to the power of transformation. A youth development leader, his passion for reform resonates as he advocates sporting engagement and promotes positive change.

Helping young people aged 12-16 at risk of exclusion from school or involvement in criminal activity, Chauncey’s person-focused and creative coaching as part of the Re N Gage programme teach discipline and self-control.

The inclusive activities and lasting support systems the young people he coaches enjoy – including through STAY N-GAGED, which ensures continual positivity for over 260 individuals – develop teamwork, trust, self-worth and confidence.

Using sport as a catalyst for change, Chauncey has helped many young people achieve personal milestones they never thought possible.

John Shedden is a thought leader and pioneer in UK snowsports, with a career spanning over five decades. His commitment and innovative thinking have transformed the coaching landscape through his work as a coach, author, coach developer and podcaster, shaping the careers of coaches across several Olympic sports.

In the mid-1970s, John revolutionised snowsports by developing the UK’s first National Coaching Scheme and establishing the English Junior Ski Squad. His ‘Skilful Performance’ PET model, which linked sensory perception, emotional state, and motor output, introduced a personalised approach to athlete development.

John’s many achievements include creating access for children to learn to ski on local artificial slopes and pathways to personal and international excellence including Dennis Edwards and Nick Fellows, Sarah Lewis and Hayden Scott.

He has impacted the lives of hundreds who have gone on to become outstanding athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers within the sport.

He continues to contribute to the coaching community through the award-winning Locked In Shed podcast and has written five books and numerous educational resources that have influenced the sport’s governance and athlete pathways.

As a mentor, his influence extends across generations, particularly among parent coaches. Phil Smith, a parent and coach trained by John, recently wrote: “The boys’ success is very much down to the skill-based skiing which you promoted your whole career and influenced so many coaches such as myself, with this being passed forwards to the next generation. You need to know what a huge influence you had.”

John's contributions have left an indelible mark on snowsports and continue to shape its future.

Winning silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics, two-time world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson (KJT) has cemented her place as one of the world’s top all-round athletes. Known for her resilience and versatility, KJT has faced numerous injuries and setbacks but has notably risen above them, showcasing her remarkable ability to overcome adversity. Her 2024 Olympic success is a testament to her determination, reinforcing her reputation as a fierce competitor.

Athletics has been part of KJT’s life from a very early age. Growing up in Liverpool, her first coach, Richard Coakley, recognised her potential early on. As Deputy Head Teacher at St Mark’s Primary School, he noticed her natural talent in high jump, aged just 4. Encouraging her to develop her skills, he laid the foundation for her athletic career.

At 11, KJT moved to St Julie’s High School, where she met former PE teacher, Jo Hardiman, who quickly recognised her potential beyond jumping. Around this time, she began the six-mile journey from her home in Halewood to Liverpool Harriers’ base in Wavertree Park to train. Her first coach there, Gayle Gilbert, spotted her talent in high jump early on, once telling fellow coaches, “This girl’s good.”

From age 12 to 18, KJT trained with Val Rutter at Liverpool Harriers. Rutter guided her shift from high jump to multi-event training, recognising her ability to excel in running as well. During these formative years, KJT also worked with coaches Stephen Carroll, now President of Liverpool Harriers, and Stan Roberts, who left a significant mark on her early development. Roberts passed away in 2021, leaving a lasting impact on KJT and her career.

At Liverpool Harriers, KJT began working with Mike Holmes, whose guidance helped her rise in the senior ranks. Holmes led her to notable achievements, including World Youth and European Under-23 heptathlon titles, and a World Junior long jump gold in 2012. At just 19, KJT competed in the London Olympics, finishing 15th. Though the result wasn’t all she had hoped for, she went on to claim a European Indoor Pentathlon title and a fifth-place finish at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow.

A turning point came in 2016 when KJT moved to France aged 23, seeking further success under a new team. She worked with Jean-Yves Cochand, who, along with coaches Bertrand Valcin and Bruno Gajer, transformed her training. Cochand focused on refining her techniques in shot put and javelin, adjusted her jump run-ups, and emphasised smaller, more frequent sessions. The new approach led to multiple World, European, and Commonwealth medals, as well as British records in the heptathlon and pentathlon. During this time, she also set a World Record in the heptathlon high jump.

As Cochand moved toward retirement, KJT transitioned to training with Bruno Gajer who worked with her on her 800m, and Bertrand Valcin, who was already known for coaching decathlete Kevin Mayer. Valcin’s patience and belief in KJT played a crucial role in her comeback after the 2016 Olympics. Under Valcin’s guidance, she claimed gold at the 2019 World Championships in Doha and also won gold at the World Indoors, European Indoors, and Commonwealth Games. Valcin helped KJT become a world champion and a contender for Olympic success.

Now based in Loughborough, KJT works with Aston Moore, who began coaching her in 2023. Moore’s challenge has been helping KJT recover from an Achilles rupture in her left leg that impacted her long jump ability, while strengthening her throwing events and instilling a sense of calm and focus. The culmination of this was winning a second World Championships title in Budapest in 2023 under Moore’s mentorship and guidance.

Katarina Johnson-Thompson’s coaching journey is one of resilience and growth, shaped by the belief, patience, and expertise of her mentors. From her early days in Liverpool to her two World Championship gold medals and Olympic silver medal, each coach has been essential in her path to greatness. Their guidance and her unwavering determination make KJT a model of resilience and an inspiration to athletes worldwide.

Basketball aficionado Lisa Williams’ ingenuity and passion to see other coaches succeed in the sport has driven her to work with over 125 coaches aged 16-30 as part of the prestigious London Coaches Program – with more aspiring coaches from diverse backgrounds still to benefit from her expertise.

A Great Britain masters international herself, Lisa has also delivered qualification programmes and workshops to thousands of coaches as a Basketball England coach education tutor, demonstrating her sincere dedication to coaching.

As well as enhancing player development, Lisa’s work with coaches aims to promote equality within basketball, and she has further supported systemic change by setting up a female sports coaching collective where female coaches can discuss coaching and the barriers that they faced.

Kevin Badu (Football)

Meticulous planning and preparation are non-negotiables when it comes to Kevin’s tailored sessions, ensuring that the coaches he supports are well-equipped to deliver high quality, engaging and inclusive sessions for young people, becoming role models in their communities.

His holistic coaching methodologies – and his passion for active listening – nurture meaningful collaboration, promote inclusion and facilitate positive social change. Through Kevin’s guidance, his coaches learn how to understand the multifaceted needs of their participants, as well as the importance of supporting their emotional and social well-being.

This has been particularly impactful for young people facing mental health issues or difficulties at home.

Kevin is also dedicated to his own improvement: he regularly shares latest insight and evidence-based strategies sourced from advanced coaching workshops and seminars.

David Smith (Multi-sport)

David is an experienced and committed coach developer who has dedicated his career to supporting individuals and underserved communities. He fosters strong community connections and building vibrant social learning networks, enhancing social cohesion and responsibility.

As a mentor and role model for ethnically diverse coaches, David plays a vital role in supporting them to navigate the challenges they face to entering and succeeding in the coaching sector, as well as managing broader issues including the risk of homelessness and financial instability.

With a coaching philosophy rooted in understanding and addressing unique needs, he ensures that every apprentice that he supports feels included, valued and equipped to succeed.

Over 77% of David’s recent cohort progressed onto employment or further education, or continued volunteer work in sport.

Sense Active’s Sensory Sport programme was created to meet a bold and vital ambition: to enable people with complex disabilities to enjoy high quality opportunities to play team sports and enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits.

Sense developed intuitive toolkits that break down the essential skills for each respective sport into their key components, enabling them to be tailored to meet individual needs and abilities. They also developed action plans with participants, encouraging them to shape their own sessions.

The Sensory Sport programme has engaged 432 participants across 24 sessions to date, with further sessions in the pipeline. One parent of a child who has selective mutism expressed ‘amazement’ at how after only her second week, she was communicating frequently with teachers and peers.

Dr Rashmi Becker MBE (Dance)

Since founding Step Change Studios in 2017 to provide opportunities for disabled people to experience and enjoy dance, Rashmi has established a team of coaches to deliver over 3,000 dance sessions to participants ranging from the ages of 2 to 102.

Sessions are deliberately delivered in areas and spaces where there is perceived to be the greatest need and take place in a range of settings from hospitals to libraries.

Step Change Studios works with people with disabilities, mental health challenges, and age-related conditions, with the aim to not only to improve physical and mental well-being, but also to support their independence, communication skills and confidence, as well as to facilitate the growth of strong social connections.

Coach Core is dedicated to supporting young adults who have encountered barriers to success such as discrimination, lack of opportunities and systemic barriers.

By supporting their apprentices’ development into coaches, Coach Core supports and empowers them to become impactful role models who go on to drive positive change in their own communities and inspire future generations.

With Coach Core’s support, apprentices have an outstanding impact. Recent examples include an apprentice addressing key issues such as gang violence and unemployment alongside coaching boxing, while another apprentice had been able to offer exercise sessions to new mothers that accommodate their specific needs and schedules, enabling them to take part with their babies.

Since 2012, Coach Core has worked with over 971 apprentices across the UK.