Rowing coaches shortlisted for UK Coaching Awards

Hannah Vines and Rob Mayes will join other finalists at the prestigious 2024 UK Coaching Awards ceremony on 10 December

The UK Coaching Awards are regarded as the most prestigious event within the coaching community and celebrates coaches at all levels across the nation. From the elite to the grassroots, they were established to recognise the invaluable role coaches play in building a happier and healthier society – whether masterminding a gold medal moment that can inspire thousands, or turning up week in, week out to support participants at a community sports club. Just three finalists have been selected for each award from across all sports.

Hannah has been shortlisted for the Community Coach of the Year (Children and Young People) Award, supported by the Children’s Coaching Collaborative/Play Their Way. This award recognises a coach’s outstanding contribution to coaching children and young people to meet their sport and physical activity needs and aspirations.

Her citation says:

Over an impressive 35+ year career, Hannah has supported an average of 200 people each year to enjoy learning to row in an environment that prioritises individual needs, ambitions and experiences, and to develop useful life skills, such as the ability to work effectively in a team.

Hannah has created innovative solutions to enable more young people to participate, such as a ‘pay it forward’ membership to help fund participation for others, and by enabling kit to be earned through reaching milestones instead of bought.

Effective questioning encourages participants to gain confidence, be reflective, and use their voices to shape sessions. Effective goal setting alongside encouraging participants to choose their own challenges for each session empowers them to take ownership of their journeys in sport and physical activity.

Hannah is Rowing Manager at Dorney Lake where she leads the sessions for Dorney BC. She said, “This is really special and I’m so grateful to have been nominated and am absolutely delighted to be a finalist in the UK Coaching Award.”

Earlier this year Hannah won the British Rowing Community Coach of the Year Award, and in addition to her work at Dorney BC, she is a mentor to young athletes on the Diploma in Sorting Excellence programme.

Rob has been shortlisted for the Online Coach of the Year award. This Award recognises an outstanding coach who delivers #GreatCoaching online via social media, apps, or other online methods.

His citation says:

With a blended approach to coaching, Rob has developed a strong online presence and in-person connection in indoor rowing. His live Instagram sessions, multi-platform functionality and recordings enables his inclusive club to serve a community, improve skills and develop active lifestyles.

Everyone can access free technical assistance as part of Rob’s coaching, with a focus on fun, enjoyment and progression. His supportive sessions offer enlightening content, with accessible competitions, chats and celebrations of individual achievements building confidence and overcoming anxieties.

Robert’s solution-focused coaching and active listening have helped people utilise technology, rekindled their passion for the sport, and improved fitness levels.

Recognising that not everyone has access to a rowing machine, Rob ensured that his adaptable, educational sessions can also be enjoyed on a bike.

Rob said, “You never start coaching thinking you might receive an award so it’s quite overwhelming even to be considered never mind then shortlisted! It’s easy to take for granted the impact you can have on people through sport so this a wonderful reminder of why I do what I do.”

Rob recently joined British Rowing’s Community team as a Community Development Officer, and had previously been a part time British Rowing GROW Coach based at Broxbourne RC. He is also a British Rowing Go Row Indoor Master Trainer and Head Coach at the Essex-based Blade Rowers Indoor Rowing Fitness Club.

UK Coaching’s CEO Mark Gannon, reflected on the breadth of coaching talent announced as this year’s finalists. He said, “We are very excited to announce the finalists of the 2024 UK Coaching Awards. Each year we see true excellence from our coaches in the UK at every level, and it is a welcome challenge to select our finalists.

“Coaches across the nation can all be proud of the incredible contribution they make to health and well-being in the UK.”