Yorkshire coaches announced as finalists for prestigious awards

    UK Coaching has officially announced the finalists for the 2018 UK Coaching Awards, continuing the organisation’s celebration of great coaching, which commenced earlier this year with the UK’s first ever Coaching Week.

    Included in the list are Yorkshire coaches Ady Gray, Cameron Osburn and Fred Furniss, selected as finalists for the 2018 Children’s Coach of the Year, Disability Coach of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards, respectively.

    Gray, who has taught martial arts to children ranging from the ages of four to 16 for nearly 30 years, has now received his second consecutive nomination for Children’s Coach of the Year, highlighting the inspiration his athletes gain from his passion and dedication. He was invited to join the World Shotokan Federation (WSF) as President earlier this year and during this short time, the WSF squad have medalled at both national and world levels.

    Ripon-based martial arts coach, Gray said: “To be even nominated for this award over so many other great coaches is an honour – it means a lot on its own. To make the final twice in a row, it’s good to see that I’m being recognised for being consistent and I’m pushing the boundaries of coaching.

    “It’s continuously challenging, you’re always learning. The worry is when you turn into a coach is that you may fall out of love with the sport, but I still love it after all these years, and no matter what class I’m teaching, I still love it and really enjoy it.”

    More from Sport

    Listener Club

    Get more with the Listener Club!

    • Remix Saturdays Remix Saturdays

      Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm

    • Bhangra Nights Bhangra Nights

      Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm

    • Alim OnAir Alim OnAir

      Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.

    • The Golden Era The Golden Era

      The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm