Apprentice Finalists: Community Activator Coach – Coach Core Awards 2024
This award celebrates a Coach Core apprentice who has surpassed expectations on their Community Activator Coach (L2) programme.
Our apprentices come from a huge range of backgrounds and experiences and work for some very different employers. What brings them together is a commitment to self-improvement and a desire to bring positive change to their communities. These finalists are just the tip of the iceberg and their accomplishments a small reflection of the whole year’s cohort. Nevertheless, the work they have done, the attitudes they have shown, the development they have gone through have made their accomplishments worth highlighting.
Madison Elliott
Leicester City in the Community (Leicester)
Madi is passionate about providing opportunities for everyone, and stands up for equality and diversity. She ensures all her sessions are inclusive and has shown a passion for developing and delivering sessions for young women and girls. She now works on the Women’s Active projects with Leicester City FC in the Community, delivering sessions for women of all ages in diverse and disadvantaged areas in Leicester City. She has recently finished her apprenticeship, achieving a distinction, and is now supporting another female apprentice in the organisation.
“From an individual with the raw skills, passion and desire to succeed, LCitC now have a very knowledgeable, passionate and dedicated member of staff and our participants and programmes are better for it.”
Jennifer Mendonca
Empire Fighting Chance (Bristol)
Jen had no experience of boxing before starting this apprenticeship but took the role because she is so passionate about supporting young people facing challenges in their lives. She has dedicated herself to learning the technical skills, and is thriving when it comes to community engagement. Her role includes: working with young people in the local area who are on verge of being involved in gang activity; recruiting young Somali women on a non-contact boxing sessions; and leading health and nutrition workshops for disadvantaged young people over the summer holidays. Jen has recently finished her apprenticeship and is now employed full time by Empire Fighting Chance.
“Young people have trust in Jen and often seek her out to share any issues they’re having.”
Samuel Ntsiful
Glasgow Life (Glasgow)
Samuel arrived in the UK at the age of 17 from Ghana in late 2021, speaking very little English. Just over a year later, when recruiting for the Coach Core programme began Samuel applied, bringing excellent examples of his experience as a volunteer coach with community programmes. These programmes helped him rapidly pick up English while also honing his skills as a coach. He has flourished as an apprentice, emerging as something of an inspirational leader for his peers. His work includes creating a free football programme for asylum seekers and refugees (something never done before in youth football in Scotland), engaging with older adults in community settings and supporting children at homework clubs, despite that not being part of his role.
“Through both his unrelenting personal progress and unwavering support for peers, Samuel truly epitomised the commitment and community spirit of the Coach Core programme. His resilience overcoming challenges and selfless contributions bettering teammates has made him a source of inspiration.”
Ellis Ridsdale
Your Trust (Manchester)
Over the course of his apprenticeship Ellis has shown himself so reliable and trustworthy that he is now delivering PE to a school independently and has taken the lead on delivering his employer’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme – as well as coaching a children’s football team he set up independently. He adapts the sessions he runs to meet the levels and accessibility needs of all participants, and has been noticed to challenge discrimination on the pitch instantly. He also pro-actively changed his employer’s HAF sign-up process to ensure special educational needs (SEN) participants would get more and quicker support – ensuring the scheme would be more inclusive and safer for SEN participants.
“He has had to juggle a lot during the apprenticeship: completing Multi-skills level 2, Fitness Instructor Level 2 as well as Maths level 2 and manage a young family and childcare. He is also highly in demand at the Trust and a popular coach, so works a busy schedule.”
Our Sponsors
Lifetime Training and Amazing Apprenticeships are proud sponsors of Coach Core Awards.
Lifetime Training provides cutting edge skills training, designed to help people exceed their potential and give businesses the ultimate competitive advantage. They will be sponsoring the Mentor of the Year and Employer of the Year categories.
Amazing Apprenticeships are a leading organisation in the education sector, working with schools, colleges and employers, tackling misconceptions and promoting the benefits of apprenticeships and technical education. They will be sponsoring the post-event reception.