Winners at the 2024 UK Coaching Awards!
Congratulations to Zain and Claire!
Coaches are often unsung heroes, setting the right environment for their participants, supporting their growth and success through sport and physical activity and contributing to a healthy and active nation. From the finalists to the very worthy winners, and on behalf of the whole coaching workforce, it’s an honour to recognise such inspirational individuals who truly deserve this spotlight.
The UK Coaching Awards took place last night, celebrating the best and brightest coaching talent across the UK. These awards play a crucial role in highlighting the importance of the coach – from volunteer to professional, grassroots to elite, coaches play a critical role in the health, wellbeing and success of those they work with.
We are delighted to announce that 2 awards went to former Coach Core apprentices!
Zain – Young Coach of the Year
Zain was a Coach Core apprentice with Sport Birmingham back in 2021. Since completing he’s moved to another of our Birmingham employers – Our Community Foundation – where he is now mentoring and managing their apprentice. UK Coaching say “Calling on personal experience, Zain’s outstanding coaching methods ensure young people realise their sports and academic potential. Taking time to actively listen and fully understand cultural challenges and life pressures, Zain’s provision of a safe space, passion for helping others and ability to address negative behaviours like gang violence, provide empowerment and a lifeline for many young people in and around Birmingham.”
Claire – Community Coach (Adults)
Claire is recently finished our apprenticeship programme in Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, where she is employed by the wonderful Hat-Trick. UK Coaching say “Drawing on her own experiences with mental health, Claire creates a supportive environment for women to focus on their well-being while enjoying physical exercise and stress-relief activities. Recognising the challenges faced by new mums, Claire also formed Active Mums to allow mothers to exercise with their babies. Claire has improved lives and strengthened community bonds in areas of deprivation, where physical activity opportunities are limited. Further, her involvement in other coaching initiatives highlights the importance she places on participants, community support, and the power of physical activity.”
We’re absolutely over the moon for Zain and Claire and their wins at the UK Coaching Awards. Zain being named Young Coach of the Year is such a proud moment for us—he’s a brilliant example of how young apprentices can thrive when given the chance. Claire’s award as Community Coach (Adults) is just as special, as it shows how much impact an older apprentice can make too. While we’re here to support young people, we’re also passionate about giving opportunities to older apprentices like Claire, who simply needed a break to show what they’re capable of.
We also want to say a massive congratulations to our other fantastic finalists, Aura, Jen, Chauncey and Dave. Being shortlisted for these awards is a huge achievement in itself, and they’ve all done an amazing job of showing what Coach Core is all about.