And the winners are… 2023 UK Coaching Awards honour nation’s top coaches
News by UK Coaching
A select group of the UK’s most outstanding coaches, who have made remarkable contributions to transforming lives, were recognised at the annual UK Coaching Awards at The Queens Hotel in Leeds.
In a night filled with celebration, UK Coaching not only acknowledged the significant achievements of ten award recipients but also honoured renowned FA children’s coach Peter Sturgess (Lifetime Achievement), the esteemed coaches of Lioness Lucy Bronze MBE (Coaching Chain), and the exceptional leadership of Great Coaching Moment winner, England Wheelchair Rugby League head coach Tom Coyd MBE.
Their invaluable contributions to the individuals and teams they guide were recognised and the legacy of their impactful roles in coaching brought to life with tributes from those whose lives they have influenced.
From the initial shortlist of finalists in each category, worthy winners were chosen for each of the following awards:
Change a Life Award, supported by Sport England
- Dawn Whitmore-Kirby (equestrian)
Coach Developer of the Year, supported by Blacks Solicitors
- Wasim Collins (multi-sport)
Coaching Podcast of the Year
- British Canoeing Coaching Podcast (paddlesport)
Community Coach of the Year (Adults), supported by Sport England
- Jack Davey (wheelchair basketball)
Community Coach of the Year (Children and Young People), supported by Play Their Way
- Luke Carpenter (gymnastics)
High Performance Coach of the Year, supported by UK Sport
- Adam Elliott (triathlon)
Inclusive Coaching
- Community Boxing Apprenticeship Programme (boxing)
Online Coach of the Year
- Ian Northcott (multi-sport)
Talent Development Coach of the Year
- Kiana Stagg (netball)
Young Coach of the Year, supported by Reading Room
- Gabrielle Reid (boxing)
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Peter Sturgess (football)
Great Coaching Moment
- Tom Coyd MBE. For masterminding England Wheelchair Rugby League's last-gasp victory over France in the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup final.
Coaching Chain – Lucy Bronze MBE (football)
- Ray Smith
- Doug Thoburn
- Anson Dorrance
- Chris Welburn
- Michael Mulhern
- Maureen ‘Mo’ Marley
- Matt Beard
- Phil Neville
- Sarina Wiegman
Reflecting on the award ceremony, UK Coaching’s CEO Mark Gannon said:
This evening has been truly extraordinary, a celebration that goes beyond recognising exceptional coaching. Coaches are the unsung heroes, pivotal in upholding the health and well-being of our nation, and it’s truly inspiring to not just acknowledge but honour their impactful contributions at this year's UK Coaching Awards.
“The talent, drive, and passion exhibited by not only our winners but all the finalists and nominees are awe-inspiring. Each of them should take immense pride in their remarkable achievements.”
England Wheelchair Rugby League head coach Tom Coyd MBE topped the public vote for the 2023 Great Coaching Moment of the Year (qualifying period November 1 2022 to November 20 2023).
The 27-year-old masterminded England’s last-gasp victory over France in the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup final.
Tom said: "I am genuinely blown away. The peers in my nominees are all world-class coaches and I’m lost for words for once. I’m super grateful for anyone that voted. I think it shows you how many people connected with what we did in the World Cup last year.
It's so important to celebrate coaches. I think UK Coaching do the most amazing job in being here for the coach, because they are time and time again the person that is forgotten about.
“We are all so focused on getting the best out of the athletes but if no one is there to look after the coach then at some point they are going to fall over just under the weight of pressure and how many plates you have to spin, so to have an organisation like UK Coaching doing such a brilliant job in making me and my peers feel special, makes me really grateful.”
Find out more by heading to our UK Coaching Awards page.
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