Dual Award Wins for CCF in Recognition of Excellence and Leadership
Our charity can only achieve the success it does because of the people dedicating so much to our apprentices and their communities. That's why we're delighted to see two power-houses of CCF recognised at a national level.
Wasim Collins Wins Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Hero Award
Our very own Learning Coach, Wasim Collins, has been recognised with the EDI Hero Award at the 2025 WorldSkills UK Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Heroes Awards. This highly esteemed award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to promote inclusivity within their field. Wasim’s tireless work with Lifetime, Coach Core and beyond has made a significant difference in creating opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds to thrive.
His dedication to breaking down barriers in sport and education has helped shape a more inclusive environment for young aspiring coaches. It was stated at the awards that he has a “passion for nurturing talent and creating a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of their background, is truly deserving of this honor.”
Gary Laybourne Wins Outstanding Contribution to Apprenticeships Award
In another remarkable achievement, Gary Laybourne, Founder and CEO of Coach Core, has been awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Apprenticeships Award at the 2025 Apprenticeships and Training Awards. This prestigious recognition highlights Gary’s unwavering commitment to revolutionizing the sports coaching industry through innovative apprenticeship opportunities for young people.
Since founding Coach Core Foundation, Gary has dedicated himself to transforming the lives of young people, offering them vital career pathways and professional development. His visionary leadership has guided our charity to provide hundreds of opportunities and inspire those within our sector.
These two award wins reflect the incredible dedication, passion, and leadership that Coach Core stands for. Wasim’s commitment to equity and inclusion, alongside Gary’s tireless work in shaping the future of apprenticeships, both contribute to the overall success of our mission.
Both awards are not only a testament to Wasim’s and Gary’s individual contributions but also to the collective effort of the entire Coach Core team, who are continually working to ensure that the next generation of sports coaches is equipped, empowered, and ready to make a lasting impact on their communities.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate these achievements, Coach Core remains more committed than ever to expanding our work and supporting young people from all backgrounds. With dedicated individuals like Wasim and Gary leading the way, we continue to strive towards our vision of making sport more inclusive, accessible, and empowering for everyone.