The most impactful coaches across the UK were recognised and celebrated at the 25th UK Coaching Awards ceremony held in Leeds on Tuesday, 6 December.

The awards – seen as the most prestigious within the coaching community – were created to recognise the remarkable contributions coaches make in providing high-quality coaching experiences, supporting people holistically on their journey through sport and physical activity, and promoting the physical and mental health of the nation.

From transforming lives and communities in the world of sport and physical activity, to blazing a trail for inclusion in all coaching environments, to celebrating the great coaching moments of the year in high performance sport, the coaching family was given a fitting celebration for their outstanding work.

The event recognised top coaches across the UK including the Lionesses' Sarina Wiegman, British Cycling's Simon Watt, and legendary UK Athletics coach Aston Moore for their invaluable contributions to the people and teams they coach, following a special year for major events and competitions, which included a home Commonwealth Games and Women's European Championships.

From the initial list of finalists in each category, worthy winners have been chosen for each of the following awards:

Change a Life Award, supported by Sport England

Tony Kerr (paddlesports)

Community Coach of the Year – Adults, supported by Sport England

Jordan Bedford (multi-sport)

Community Coach of the Year - Children and Young People, supported by the Children’s Coaching Collaborative

Bob Mowlem (football)

High Performance Coach of the Year, supported by UK Sport

Simon Watts (cycling)

Online Coach of the Year

Beth Davidson (fencing)

Talent Development Coach of the Year

Peter Maliphant (orienteering)

Young Coach of the Year, supported by Reading Room

Lexie Williams (touch rugby / rugby union)

Coach Developer of the Year

Brogan Jones (multi-sport)

Coaching Podcast of the Year

Walking on Air (nordic walking)

Inclusive Coaching Award, supported by sportscotland

Worcester RFC Mixed Ability (rugby union)

Lifetime Achievement Award

·         Aston Moore (athletics)

·         Jim Hunter (athletics)

Great Coaching Moment

Sarina Wiegman – England end 56 years of hurt with victory at Euro 2022

Coaching Chain 

·         Peter Westbrook

·         Jane Sixsmith MBE

·         Tim Barlow

·         Jerome Goudie

·         Danny Kerry MBE

·         Karen Brown MBE

·         Craig Parnham

·         David Ralph

Mussabini Medallists

·         David Murdoch MBE – Curling

·         Scott MacBain – Para Alpine Skiing

UK Coaching CEO Mark Gannon said:

“What an honour it was to see so many inspirational coaches be recognised for their outstanding contributions to coaching.

“These coaches, and all our UK Coaching Awards finalists, don’t just support more people into physical activity and sport, they also change lives, tackle inequalities and help build communities. They also have an insatiable appetite to be the best versions of themselves in order to help their participants.

“I would like to extend a huge congratulations to all our winners. For our 25th UK Coaching Awards, the bar was raised once again, and it is so important that we acknowledge and thank all coaches, at all levels and in all settings, as they work tirelessly to support more people mentally and physically through physical activity and sport.”

After the public voted for the Great Coaching Moment of the Year, it was the Lionesses’ Sarina Weigman who was crowned champion for ending England’s 56 years of hurt with victory at Euro 2022. Sarina said:

“I feel very honoured to have been nominated for this award amongst other fantastic coaches, and I am very grateful for everyone who voted for me. I can’t say it enough, but all the credit goes to our group of players and staff.”

The coaches of Great Britain hockey player Laura Unsworth MBE won the 2022 Coaching Chain award. Laura paid tribute to the coaches who have played such an instrumental role on her journey to becoming the most decorated British hockey player of all time. In a special video tribute she praised each of the seven coaches individually, plus her mentor Jane Sixsmith MBE, before adding:

"My coaches helped me become the player I am today. So a massive thank you to each and every one of you. Thank you for everything you have done for me."

Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award Jim Hunter, was honoured for his outstanding service to participants with disabilities, saying:

“I never imagined I would be part of the UK Coaching Awards process, and to be a winner of such a prestigious award is an incredible honour for me. Athletics and coaching has allowed me to travel across the UK, in Europe and beyond over the years. It is such a wonderful sport that allows anybody that wishes to take part, because it's not just one sport, there are lots of ways for people to participate and we can ensure inclusivity with just a little thought and planning.”

Find out more about this year’s winners and the awards by heading to www.ukcoaching.org/uk-coaching-awards.