Unsung Hero of the Year – Coach Core Awards 2025
This award celebrates someone in the Coach Core network who has made a significant contribution to our mission, has demonstrated Coach Core values and deserves to be recognised for their support and dedication to the programme.
Coach Core is built on collaboration and we work with many wonderful partners of all different types, up and down the country. Many of those people or organisations can be recognised in one of our other awards, but there are some people and places that sit outside those categories who make significant contributions to our programmes and the success of our apprentices. This award – nominated and voted upon by the Coach Core staff – is for those who may otherwise fly under the radar but whose importance needs to be highlighted.
Collinson Group
Collinson have been true unsung heroes, generously opening their “homes” to Coach Core by providing office space and access to meeting rooms across the UK. This partnership has significantly improved the quality of our working environment, enhancing employee wellbeing, collaboration, and productivity. Importantly, it has also enabled Coach Core to save a substantial amount of money, which can be reinvested directly into the charity’s mission—supporting young people who need opportunities the most. Their support has been a game-changer, allowing us to focus on transforming lives through sport and apprenticeships.
Lee Simms
AFS UK
Since first being introduced to Coach Core two years ago, Lee has championed our cause tirelessly. He has made it his mission to introduce us to as many financial sector clients as he can, spreading the word about how marginalised talent gets the opportunity to realise their potential through our programme. As a keen sportsman he understands just how powerful our sector can be to transform lives and is always the first person to commit his company to any fundraising initiative we run. His appreciation of the team behind the scenes is also notable.
Rothschild & Co
Richard Luddington and Rothschild & Co have been incredible supporters of Coach Core, raising a phenomenal £56,892! Coach Core hosted Rothschild & Co’s 50 interns at AFC Wimbledon for a bespoke Sports Day, filled with classic events like the egg and spoon race, run by our talented apprentices. The interns’ bake sales, cycle rides, and collective running challenges showcased their dedication and the generosity of their colleagues. This incredible support will make a transformative difference, helping us create opportunities for young people who need them most.
Our Sponsor
Lifetime is one of the UK’s leading training providers delivering innovative learning strategies through industry experienced trainers curriculum experts and leading edge technology.
Lifetime works in partnership with employers to upskill, reskill, and recruit future workforce to unlock people’s potential and harnesses competitive advantage.
Lifetime Training and Coach Core Foundation have shared a strong 9-year partnership focused on empowering young people into community coaching and mentorship. This strong relationship helps build essential skills to pave the way for the next generation of community coaches and leaders.