Coach Core Foundation is making waves at the UK Coaching Awards
Coach Core Foundation has been nominated for a UK Coaching Award, along with five of our apprentices and graduates, and one of our Learning Coaches.
We’re thrilled to announce that the Coach Core Foundation is making waves at the 2024 UK Coaching Awards, with seven remarkable nominations across multiple categories! This prestigious event, set to take place on 10 December at The Queens Hotel in Leeds, will shine a spotlight on the nation’s coaching talent – and Coach Core Foundation’s influence is unmistakably strong among the finalists.
Each of these individuals, and Coach Core itself, are examples of the impact great coaching can have on people, communities, and society at large. From providing safe spaces for young children to supporting adults to reap the benefits of being active, Coach Core Foundation’s representation among the nominees reflects the hard work, passion, and dedication of our entire community.
Here’s a closer look at our nominees and the categories they’ll be competing in:
Young Coach of the Year
Zain Khan: Zain has a remarkable ability to connect with young people on a personal level, helping them navigate the pressures of their environment while inspiring them to pursue their goals in both sports and life.
Jennifer Mendonca: From the outset of her journey, Jennifer displayed a deep commitment to understanding and addressing the individual needs of each young person she worked with. Her approach is more than just teaching boxing techniques; it’s about building strong, trusting relationships and creating an environment where young people feel valued and understood.
Chauncey Taylor: Chauncey’s journey from a troubled youth to a dedicated coach and mentor is a testament to the power of transformation. After volunteering at Re N Gage, he quickly realised the potential of using sport as a tool for change. This passion and dedication eventually led him to an apprenticeship with Coach Core, where he honed his skills in coaching and youth development. Today, Chauncey is a Youth Development Lead at Re N Gage, where he dedicates his life to helping at-risk young people avoid the mistakes he once made
Community Coach of the Year (Adults)
Aura Chacon Godoy: Aura is a deeply person-centred coach, and her life experiences have given her a unique ability to connect with the diverse communities she serves. She understands the challenges that many of her participants face—whether it’s the anxiety of starting something new, the struggle to communicate in a second language, or the barriers to accessing sport and physical activity in areas of deprivation. Aura meets these challenges head-on, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every participant feels valued and supported.
Claire Lambton: Claire’s lived experience profoundly shapes her approach to coaching. Understanding the pain of isolation and the struggles of mental health, she prioritises person-centred coaching, focusing not only on physical fitness but on the overall well-being of her participants. Her work with the W Group, an initiative supporting women’s mental and physical health, highlights this approach. “Claire’s sessions are more than just exercise; they’re a lifeline for many,” says one participant.
Coach Developer of the Year
David Smith: “David Smith saved me from feeling stuck. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and gave me the tools to succeed. Because of him, I’m now helping others and making a real difference in my community. His support has been life changing.” — Former Apprentice of David Smith
Inclusive Coaching
Coach Core Foundation: Coach Core Foundation champions diversity by training young adults from underrepresented groups to become coaches who are powerful role-models within their communities.
At Coach Core, we believe in creating role models that young people can see themselves in, drawn from the very communities we serve. We’re dedicated to breaking down barriers, offering real opportunities to those who need them most, and proving that diverse talent can thrive. This year’s UK Coaching Award nominations are powerful proof of what’s possible when opportunity meets potential. Currently, only 18% of qualified sports coaches in the UK are women, and 17% come from ethnically diverse backgrounds, highlighting the need for more inclusion in the workforce. Our apprentices, like Chauncey and Claire, are helping to change these statistics.
Chauncey’s journey has been transformative—not long ago, he was involved with county lines, but now, through Coach Core, he’s become a mentor and role model, showing young people that a better path is within reach. Claire, another of our inspiring apprentices, has channelled her personal struggles with mental health to lift other women and girls, helping them rebuild their confidence and sense of self through fitness. These apprentices aren’t just learning to coach; they’re sparking change, creating a ripple of hope and resilience that reaches far beyond the field, inspiring healthier, happier lives in communities everywhere."
As we look forward to 10 December, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all nominees, especially our Coach Core representatives. We’re incredibly proud of their achievements, and we’re excited to celebrate their journey at the UK Coaching Awards. Whether or not they bring home a trophy, each nominee has already achieved something remarkable by inspiring change, growth, and community through coaching.
Stay tuned as we cheer on Zain, Jennifer, Chauncey, Aura, Claire and David at this year’s UK Coaching Awards!