Junior coach nominated for top UK Coaching award

A golf coach who has been hailed a ‘true inspiration’ during the coronavirus pandemic has been shortlisted as finalist for the prestigious 2020 UK Coaching Awards.

Gavin Grenville-Wood is in the running to win the Coach Developer of the Year accolade for his inspirational coaching techniques and fundraising efforts over the past year.

The Head of Junior Education at Leadbetter Golf Academy has been hailed a ‘true inspiration during these tough times’ by one of his coaches after regularly taking the time to check in with his mentees and being on hand to troubleshoot throughout the pandemic.

During the UK’s coronavirus lockdown, Gavin used his influence to gather a vast network of golf pros and coaches to take part in delivering the ‘World’s Biggest Golf Lesson’ via Instagram Live. A staggering 50,000-plus students participated worldwide and more than £10,000 was raised for NHS Charities.

Gavin’s style of coach developing is through an open and honest dialogue that ensures his coaches are more receptive to constructive criticism. He also employs the tactic of journaling, encouraging his cohort to detail their thoughts and feelings in a personal diary that they can refer to at anytime for guidance and inspiration to feed their coaching.

Gavin commented: “As a PGA Professional, it’s an honour to represent the golf community and to be nominated for a UK Coaching Award, let alone make it through to the final cut.  

“To be recognised by your peers is the highest accolade you can receive in our profession, and it is a sign that we (Golfzon Leadbetter) as a team are on the right track in terms of how we’re engaging with and inspiring the coaches we are working with.

“The ability to share the knowledge we have collectively acquired as an organisation over the last 50 years or so, can be so valuable to a coach who is looking to develop their business and create a sustainable entity.  When we start working with coaches, it’s just the start of a lifelong commitment to learning that they must undertake.  To quote David Leadbetter, ‘those that dare to teach, must never cease to learn’.  

“I really just want to help; I want help coaches maximise their potential and ultimately, to help protect the future of the sport.  Great coaching will inspire millions of new players to the game.

“I’m very grateful to be recognised, but actually this is the result of great teamwork and camaraderie, and we continue to inspire each other as we help others in the industry.”

Nicky Fuller (equestrian) and Sarah Green (netball) have also been nominated for the Coach Developer of the Year award. The winner will be announced during a virtual event on December 3^rd, 2020.

The UK Coaching Awards are seen as one of the most prestigious within the coaching community. 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 (COVID-19) pandemic.

For this year’s awards, the nominations process was open from September 2019 – September 2020, with people encouraged to submit nominations for all the great coaching work that had taken place despite the pandemic.

To find out more visit ukcoaching.org/events/our-awards

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