UK Athletics and Home Country Federations support UK Coaching's National Coaching Week

UK Athletics and the Home Country Athletic Federations are supporting National Coaching Week from 3-9 June by showcasing great coaching stories about the many coaches who volunteer their time to do great work in support of individuals and communities across the country.

The theme of this year’s initiative, led by UK Coaching, is healthy and happier communities.

Up until Tuesday 28 May 2019, UK Athletics along with Athletics Northern Ireland, England Athletics, Scottish Athletics and Welsh Athletics, will be inviting nominations from across the sport, culminating in a showcase of these stories on our websites and social media channels throughout the week commencing 3 June 2019.

The main outcomes of the week include showcasing and exploring how inspiring coaches help to build active and socially cohesive communities, galvanising the public to value coaching and policymakers to invest in developing coaches, as well as inspiring coaches to develop their skills.

Coaches across the country volunteer their time, providing valuable support to athletes and serving the sport across a range of abilities, ages, aspirations and events. This week-long celebration of coaching is a perfect opportunity to highlight those who are making a real difference at clubs or in the community.

The nomination period begins today (Friday 10 May 2019) and closes on Tuesday 28 May 2019. To make the process as inclusive as possible, there is the opportunity for you to nominate a coach, or for a coach to self-nominate.

The key to your nomination is to connect it to the theme of this year’s ‘Coaching Week’, which is how this coach contributes to a healthy and happier community.

The themes set to be highlighted across the week are:

• Monday 3 June - Showcasing coaches playing a pivotal role in building stronger communities.
• Tuesday 4 June - Showcasing coaching as a catalyst for crime prevention.
• Wednesday 5 June - Revealing coaching as a driver for tackling loneliness.
• Thursday 6 June - Showcasing coaching uniting communities.
• Friday 7 June - Demonstrating coaching aiding recovery, social prescription and mental well-being.
• Saturday 8 June - Coaching helping people living with disabilities grow in confidence and independence.
• Sunday 9 June - Coaching as a vehicle for breaking down social barriers.

Georgina Williams, UK Athletics’ Head of Coach Education and Qualifications said, “We would encourage all those who have been inspired, or those who continue to be inspired by their coaches, to submit their nominations for National Coaching Week over the next few weeks. We’d also like coaches to submit their stories through the self-nomination process so we have a wide range of experiences to showcase and celebrate through the week commencing 3 June.”

Donna Fraser, UKA’s Interim Domestic Athletics Operations Manager said, “Thank you to all coaches who give up their time to develop current and future athletes of all abilities and aspirations. As a former athlete I am keen that you know your coaching does not go unnoticed and is valued constantly. We’re really looking forward to reading your nominations and showcasing your incredible work.”