Published: June 8, 2021 | Updated: 9th June 2021
An innovative sports business founded by two mums has launched a search for the Grassroots Coach of the Year 2021.
This week – June 7 to 13 – is UK Coaching Week.
It includes the UK Coaching Hero Awards, recognising and celebrating the innovations and achievements of coaches who inspired the nation to keep moving during the coronavirus lockdowns.
But Laceeze, the sports brand that stops laces from coming undone, has decided to highlight the exceptional work and efforts being undertaken at grassroots level.
Founded by Emma Burke and Paula Henley, pictured left, in 2017, the Ferndown-based business is on a mission to find the Grassroots Coach of the Year 2021.
Emma said: “UK Coaching Week is empowering athletes, coaches, organisations, and the public to celebrate great professional coaching.
“But this got us thinking.
“Why should our volunteer coaches and assistant coaches miss out?
“We believe their dedication to our kids, and their communities, should be recognised on a national scale.
“The nominations which we have received so far have shown some heart-warming stories of incredible coaches who have been lockdown heroes to our young athletes.
“Our army of grassroots coaches are the key to the mental and physical health of our nation’s sport-loving children post lockdown.
“These unsung heroes volunteer in all weathers to coach our children and we think it’s time their relentless efforts were given the kudos they deserve.
“The past 12 months has been an incredibly difficult time for grassroots sports with most spending months unable to train together or play.
“However, throughout this time, we seen some incredible displays of team spirit.
“Coaches who have thought outside of the box to keep children fit, healthy and engaged by boosting morale and helping the children feel part of a group even when they cannot see one another. ”
As a mother of two teenage children who are keen footballers, Emma said communication from their coaches had been vital to keeping them motivated and engaged during the last lockdown.
She added: “After the furore of the European Super league, where we saw power and greed almost destroy UK football, we want to champion the coaches who are at the often forgotten grassroots level.
“Coaches who dedicate their spare time for free to help develop children of today.”
Parents and players can nominate their grassroots coach of the year here.
The winning coach will receive a Coach of the Year 2021 trophy, an Errea Iceland Winter Training Jacket (kindly donated by sponsors Norfolk Football) and a hamper of beer (or an alternative).
The person nominating will also win a bundle of Laceeze bands for their team.
Hurry, though, as the winner will be announced on Friday June 11.
Laceeze was featured on Dorset Biz News in October 2020.
It is a patented silicon sports band which wraps around a sports shoe and prevents laces from coming undone during sport.
The product is used predominantly by children playing grassroots team sports.
Laceeze donate 25p from the sale of every pair of bands to its foundation.
The initiative is to help encourage children from underprivileged backgrounds into sport by donating funds to those who would be unable to participate in their chosen activity without financial assistance.
