Coaching Celebrated

Posted: Wed, 04 Dec 2013 11:23

Coaching Celebrated

Warren Gatland was named UK Coach of the Year and High-Performance Coach of the Year at of the UK Coaching Awards 2013 – supported by Gillette.

The Wales and Lions coach beat Christine Ohuruogo's coach Lloyd Cowan, and England Netball coach Anna Mayes to the High-performance gong.

The Awards were presented to Gatland at a glittering evening event at the Montcalm, Marble Arch in London on 3 December.

Gatland led the British and Irish Lions to their first Test series win against in 16 years. With the series poised at 1-1 after two nailbiting encounters, Gatland's men crushed the Wallabies in the final match as they racked up 41 points in Sydney to secure victory in style.

He joins a list of winners that in previous years have included Jessica Ennis-Hill's coach Toni Minichiello and England Cricket coach Andy Flower.

Coaches of Ben Ainslie were named as winners of the Coaching Chain Award.

The Award recognises the coaches that have contributed to an athlete's success, from firing their interest, or encouraging them in a sport, to developing their talent, to coaching them at the elite level.

The 'Chain' for Ainslie is Dr Phil Slater, Cathy Foster, Jim Saltonstall MBE, John Derbyshire OBE, and David Howlett.

Truro multi-sports coach Steve Hillman was named as the Disability Coach of the Year - supported by Sainsbury's Active Kids for All.

Steve's work has increased opportunities for disabled people in the town and county to participate and compete in sport. In the last 12 months alone he has set up three wheelchair basketball clubs in Cornwall, leading to the county having a wheelchair basketball side; established Boccia clubs at Truro College; and started wheelchair track sessions at a local leisure centre. Steve also trains other coaches to work with disabled participants and athletes.

The full list of winners is:

Awards for Coaches

  • UK Coach of the Year: Warren Gatland (Rugby Union)
  • High-Performance Coach of the Year: Warren Gatland (Rugby Union)
  • Coaching Chain Award: The Coaches of Ben Ainslie
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Lynne Booth (Netball)
  • Performance Development Coach of the Year: Nick Walshe (Rugby Union)
  • Disability Coach of the Year - supported by Sainsbury's Active Kids for All: Steve Hillman (Multi sports)
  • Gillette Community Coach of the Year: Ben Rigby
  • Heather Crouch Children's Coach of the Year: John Gunn (Cycling)
  • Young Coach of the Year - supported by sportscotland: Tim Lord-Hopkins (Tennis)

Awards in Support of Coaches

  • Coach Educator of the Year - supported by Coachwise: Justyn Price of StreetGames
  • Governing Body of the Year: British Cycling
  • Coaching Intervention of the Year: StreetGames Doorstep Coaching programme

The UK Coaching Awards 2013, supported by Gillette, celebrates the role and performances of coaching and coaches at every level, from community coaches to elite coaches. Gillette's support of the UK Coaching Awards follows its partnership with sports coach UK as part of the Gillette Great Starts' campaign. The campaign was introduced to celebrate coaches and inspire the next generation through the offer of grants awarded through the scheme. Gillette recognise that coaching is an essential part of the future successes of sport in the UK and, together with sports coach UK, is committed to supporting and celebrating coaching in the UK.

Gillette Brand Manager, Jared Regan, said "Gillette has a rich heritage in sport and we recognise the crucial role that both amateur and professional coaches play across the UK. Coaching is integral to the future success of British sporting talent and our sponsorship of the UK Coaching Awards is part of Gillette's on-going commitment to Coaching and the future of British Sport. The calibre of names on this year's awards shortlist is testament to the Coaching Industry, without which we would not have great sporting heroes."

Tags: Coaching, Gatland, Sport