England Wheelchair Rugby League head coach Tom Coyd MBE topped the public vote for ‘Great Coaching Moment’ at yesterday’s annual UK Coaching Awards.
The qualifying period for nominations was 1 November 2022 to 20 November 2023, bringing into contention England’s dramatic World Cup Final victory over France at Manchester Central on 18 November 2022.
It was a triumph masterminded by Coyd – and one that won him pride of place among a very select group of the UK’s most outstanding coaches at last night’s awards ceremony in Leeds. In the public vote, Coyd even pipped Sarina Wiegman who last summer took England’s Lionesses all the way to Women’s Football’s World Cup Final.
Tom Coyd MBE said: "I am genuinely blown away. The peers in my nominees are all world-class coaches and I’m lost for words for once. I’m super grateful for anyone that voted. I think it shows you how many people connected with what we did in the World Cup last year.
“It's so important to celebrate coaches. I think UK Coaching do the most amazing job in being here for the coach, because they are time and time again the person that is forgotten about.
“We are all so focused on getting the best out of the athletes but if no one is there to look after the coach then at some point they are going to fall over just under the weight of pressure and how many plates you have to spin, so to have an organisation like UK Coaching doing such a brilliant job in making me and my peers feel special, makes me really grateful.”
In a night filled with celebration, UK Coaching not only acknowledged Tom Coyd’s significant achievement, but also honoured others including renowned FA children’s coach Peter Sturgess (Lifetime Achievement) and the esteemed coaches of Lioness Lucy Bronze MBE (Coaching Chain).
Reflecting on the award ceremony, UK Coaching’s CEO Mark Gannon added: “This evening has been truly extraordinary, a celebration that goes beyond recognising exceptional coaching. Coaches are the unsung heroes, pivotal in upholding the health and well-being of our nation, and it’s truly inspiring to not just acknowledge but honour their impactful contributions at this year's UK Coaching Awards.
“The talent, drive, and passion exhibited by not only our winners, but all the finalists and nominees are awe-inspiring. Each of them should take immense pride in their remarkable achievements.”
Find out more about all this year’s winners and the awards at the UK Coaching Awards page.
