UK Coaching Awards 2024
Change a Life Award
Supported by
John D ’ Ambrosio ( Judo )
Multiple medal-winning judoka John D ’ Ambrosio has been a member of Hamilton Judo Club since 1965 and his inspirational coaching of disability judo and at junior and senior levels has been of significant benefit to many .
John was instrumental in the creation of his club ’ s inclusion programme in 2019 , which offers judo sessions to 45 children and adults with wide-ranging disabilities and additional support needs . A firm believer that people of all ages and abilities should have the opportunity to learn fundamental and transferable movement skills , John also campaigns tirelessly for inclusion .
With his confidence-building coaching and guidance , the club ’ s participants engage in fun weekly sessions appropriate to their needs to develop their skills , health and fitness , and achieve things they and their carers never thought possible .
Dr Nana Badu ( Multi-sport )
Motivated by a passion to see young people succeed in sport and life , Nana ’ s coaching sessions offer outstanding opportunities for all participants .
His transformational approach to PE coaching nurtures self-worth and instils confidence . The driving force behind Badu – an organisation offering access to high-quality opportunities for underserved communities – Nana ensures every young person recognises their ability and has the chance to thrive .
People from global majority backgrounds , attendees at Nana ’ s Boys to Men club – a safe space to discuss mental health and tackle negative behaviour – and participants in women-only sessions are empowered by holistic coaching and mentoring .
Nana ’ s community initiatives and free sports festivals ensure all ages and abilities can participate , and several of his athletes have gone on to achieve significant success , some at international level .
Thomas Jones ( Cricket )
Recognised by his participants as a person-centred , innovative and welcoming cricket coach , Tom ’ s approach to coaching has resulted in even shy attendees expressing excitement to return . His caring nature builds trust and confidence – with the family of a transgender student expressing gratitude for mental health support .
Inspiring the next generation , Tom has introduced cricket to young people with learning difficulties and worked with stakeholders in Liverpool ’ s Chinese community to incorporate cricket into activity camps .
An organiser of a junior festival , his practices and social media presence enable game-wide participation . Undeterred by the global pandemic , Tom launched a family quiz ; the springboard to 100 + episodes of the cricketcoach365 podcast . Project lead for the installation of an artificial wicket , he has facilitated further community involvement in cricket .