A RUGBY coach from Mold has been announced as one of the finalists for this year’s UK Coaching Awards.

The showpiece event, seen as one of the most prestigious within the coaching community, will be held virtually on December 3 to honour and reward the work of coaches across the UK.

The annual awards ceremony aims to recognise the contribution coaches make in transforming lives in communities nationwide – especially poignant this year, against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ryan Kirby, who started his coaching career at Mold Rugby Club, has been nominated for Children & Young People’s Coach of the Year for his work as Head Coach of the Mad Dog Sport rugby programme at Royal Wootton Basset Academy in Wiltshire.

The Leader:

Ryan has not only built self-confidence through his sessions but is also a friendly face for students to share their concerns and challenges with. Showcasing not only incredible coaching skills and but a true role model within the community.

Speaking about his award nomination, he said: “I’m really pleased and proud to have made the final of the Children and Young People’s Coach Award 2020. My passion for young people’s development is forever growing and I’m proud to play a part in their development and success.”

UK Coaching’s director of coaching Emma Atkins, added: “The UK Coaching Awards is a true highlight of the year and although December’s event will look slightly different, it is more important than ever to recognise the outstanding contributions of coaches in communities across the country this year.

“Over three million people regularly coach across the UK and I’ve been absolutely blown away with how quickly coaches were able to adapt during the pandemic to continue meeting the needs of their participants, from grassroots to elite level.

“I would like to offer huge congratulations to Ryan and all of those who have been nominated for awards. The standard of nominations we received this year was extraordinary, demonstrating the impact that great coaches have had this year.

“Thank you to all our coaches across the UK, and to our finalists. We are all looking forward to celebrating your achievements in December.”

Find out more about all of this year’s finalists and the announcements on booking virtual tickets by heading to ukcoaching.org/coachingawards.