Coach Core Awards 2020

Renee Gottshalk – Renee has gone from apprentice to full-time employee at Aston Villa Football Club Foundation where she increased female participation in the Kickz programme by 386% in 1 year. She wass also one of 12 women nationwide to be enrolled onto Women in Football’s ‘Women in Leadership’ Level One and Two courses.

“She is an inspiration and a role model not only to young people from Birmingham, but to her peers and colleagues at the Foundation too”

Dave Reed – Dave introduced Coach Core to 3 rugby clubs in Northumberland and worked closely with their apprentices, mentoring & providing significant extra training & qualifications for them. Sadly Dave was made redundant in October but continued to work as a volunteer to continue supporting the 3 apprentices.

“I am honoured to be able to propose him for this award.”

Wasim Collins – Wasim adapts his sessions to meet the needs of the apprentices, including those with medical conditions that have previously lead to them being left out. He effectively builds apprentices’ confidence by pushing them out of their comfort zone but within a secure framework.

“He is the most supportive teacher I have ever met”

Hat-Trick – Founded in 2005 has worked with over 10,000 children and young people, and helped over 100 Newcastle residents to gain FA coaching awards. They use football to help young people gain skills and confidence – while having a great time along the way.

Raheem Hussain, at Linx Hemlington – Prior to lockdown, Raheem spearheaded a crime prevention scheme that engaged with kids in a particular part of town that had real issues with anti social behaviour at a specific time each night. As Covid-19 took hold, and the charity’s operations ground to a halt, this he started a number of online coaching sessions to keep engaging the local community and bring fitness and soccer skills virtually on a regular basis.

Abdul Hakim – Abdul arrived to the UK from Ethiopia, aged 15. He is a foster care leaver with a drive to constantly improve himself, overcoming language barriers on a daily basis.

“His journey so far is already incredible and I feel privileged to be a part of the development of his future”