Three cycling coaches have been named on the shortlist for this year’s UK Coaching Awards, which was unveiled today.
The awards represent the pinnacle of coaching recognition, and cycling is represented on the shortlist by Patricia Quirke (shortlisted for Coach Developer of the Year), Monica Eden (Talent Development Coach of the Year) and Sarah Toone (Community Coach of the Year).
Monica works with the Great Britain Cycling Team’s junior academy, coaching endurance riders aged between 16 and 18 as they target a career as a full-time athlete.
Of her nomination, Monica said:
“It was a really nice surprise to find that I had been nominated for this coaching award. As a coach, what motivates me is helping the athletes I work with to be the best that they can be, but to know that someone thinks you’re doing a good job is really flattering.
“I’m looking forwards to attending the UK Coaching Awards ceremony and meeting the other coaches nominated. I’ve really enjoyed my coaching experiences over the past 12 months, so it will be nice to round the year off with a night to celebrate that.”
Patricia is a Coach Education Officer at British Cycling, and has been nominated in recognition of her work to develop coaches across the disciplines, and produce new and innovative development programmes for current and future coaches.
She said:
“I have been lucky to support a range of coaches on their journey. I have always been interested in the stories behind our coaches’ ambitions, and what is driving them to develop riders and themselves. Sometimes it’s just about encouraging people to try a new approach and to figure out how they can learn from these experiences, especially if things don’t go quite right.”
Sarah is a British Cycling Level 2 BMX coach, who works for Access Sport to deliver a BMX legacy project across the south-east.
Access Sport was also shortlisted for the Coaching for an Active Life Award for our BMX schools and community outreach programme.
Vinny Webb, British Cycling’s Head of Education, added:
“Good coaching is at the heart of what British Cycling does – from the elite side of the sport to teaching bike handling skills which give people the confidence to develop a lifelong cycling habit. We’re therefore delighted to see so many cycling coaches on this year’s shortlist, and wish them all the very best for the ceremony in November.”
The award ceremony will take place in London on November 29.
