Coach & Volunteer Academy Awards 2025

The Coach & Volunteer Academy celebrates its 10-year anniversary to honour our dedicated volunteers' remarkable achievements during the academic year.

10 Years of the Coach & Volunteer Academy

We are excited to celebrate 10-years of the Coach & Volunteer Academy, a celebration of the incredible contributions made by our coaches and volunteers throughout the year!

This special evening will bring together the Loughborough Sport community to honour the dedication and passion of those who help drive our programmes forward. With awards, recognition, and plenty of inspiration, we can’t wait to celebrate.

When nominating a volunteer, please describe how they meet the criteria listed below for each award. The more detail added, the better understanding the shortlisting panel will have of the individual. 

Submit a nomination

Award categories

Tim Garfield Award
A prestigious award to the student volunteer who has championed the values of Loughborough Sport and gone above and beyond within their role throughout their time at Loughborough
   
Criteria 1: An individual who has made an exceptional contribution to Loughborough Sport throughout their time at the University
Criteria 2: An individual who has shown tireless commitment to supporting their programme / sport as well as other volunteers and continuously embraced opportunities to develop themselves and learn from others
Criteria 3: An individual who has acted as a role model, who has led other volunteers and been committed to making a difference

 

 

Volunteer Team Of The Year
This award recognises the exceptional contribution a team has made to their sport or programme throughout the academic year
   
Criteria 1: A team who have demonstrated collaborative working that recognises and gives the opportunity for everyone to contribute and feel valued
Criteria 2: Has had a clear vision/purpose on what they want to achieve for their programme/sport and have taken steps to achieve that
Criteria 3: A team who have made a long-lasting impact for their programme/sport

 

 

This award recognises all volunteers who aid in leading and coordinating the Loughborough Sport offer. This could include (but not limited to) an individual working within a committee / exec role, coordinating within the IMS programme, as a Sport SIO, a Sport Secretary, or a Hub manager who has achieved success over the academic year.

  
 

Criteria 1:

An individual who has demonstrated exceptional teamwork and leadership skills

  

Criteria 2:

An individual who has made significant impact in their role, acting as a role model for other volunteers. Who has developed themselves, their peers and the programme in which they're volunteering

  

Criteria 3:

An individual who has worked to develop an inclusive environment within their programme- having an open mind-set and a willingness to adapt

Unsung Hero
The Unsung Hero award recognises a student who has positively influenced a programme or sport from behind the scenes with a positive attitude, a willingness to help in whatever capacity necessary, and a commitment to excellence
   
Criteria 1: An individual who goes above and beyond without needing praise or recognition
Criteria 2: A reliable and committed individual who always 'shows up' and delivers
Criteria 3: An individual who is selfless and puts the needs of others ahead of their own and goes above and beyond to support others

 

 

Media, Marketing and Communications Volunteer of the Year
Awarded to the student media volunteer who has contributed to raising the reputation and profile of a Loughborough Sport Programme, going above and beyond within their role this academic year
   
Criteria 1: An individual in a formal sports media role within a Loughborough Sport Programme/Sport
Criteria 2: An individual who has considerably raised the reputation and profile of their programme/sport (e.g. increased follower count, engagement etc)
Criteria 3: An individual who has taken steps to develop their knowledge and skills within sports media

 

 

Official of the Year
Awarded to the student volunteer official who has gone above and beyond within their role this academic year.
   
Criteria 1: This official has challenged themselves and has officiated with the highest standards to the best of their ability
Criteria 2: The individual has shown skill and creativity in challenging situations and has also shown they can help others in challenging scenarios.
Criteria 3: This official has been committed to becoming a master of their craft and has been tireless in looking to improve on their skills

 

 

Sport Committee Member of the Year
Awarded to the Sport Committee Member who has shown exceptional commitment and gone above and beyond in their role this academic year.
   
Criteria 1: An individual who has had a formal role within a Loughborough Sport Committee.
Criteria 2: An individual who has demonstrated significant enthusiasm, dedication and passion for developing their sport strand. 
Criteria 3: An individual who has been a supportive team player within their committee, acted as a leader for others within their sport/strand, and fostered a sense of belonging for others.

 

 

Event Management Volunteer of the Year
Awarded to the student events volunteer who has given substantially and gone above and beyond within their role to support the events Loughborough Sport hosts each year
   
Criteria 1: An individual who is consistently volunteering in Loughborough Sport Events across the academic year
Criteria 2: An individual who has demonstrated positive attitude and enthusiasm throughout their volunteering role
Criteria 3: An individual who has demonstrated strong relationship building and communication with staff, volunteers and event participants

 

 

Performance Support Volunteer of the Year
Awarded to the Performance Support Volunteer who has shown outstanding commitment and gone above and beyond in their role this academic year
   
Criteria 1: An individual in a formal role within Performance Support (such as Performance Analysis, S&C, etc)working with a Loughborough Sport Programme/Sport
Criteria 2: A reliable, trustworthy, proactive individual with the ability to work independently as well as within an inter-disciplinary team
Criteria 3: An individual who has taken steps to develop their knowledge and skills within their chosen discipline and beyond

 

 

Coach of the Year
Awarded to the student volunteer coach for outstanding commitment and who has gone above and beyond within their role this academic year.
   
Criteria 1: An individual who has achieved and shown excellence and endeavour in their coaching practise, whilst also showing leadership qualities for both players / athletes and other coaches.
Criteria 2: An individual who has looked to excel in their sport and educate themselves about their field to an excellent standard.
Criteria 3: An individual who has been creative and has delivered their coaching programme to an excellent standard.

FAQs

If you've got any questions about the awards please refer to our FAQs below or do not hesitate to get in touch.

Any volunteer who has been shortlisted for an award will receive an invitation to the awards via email with a notification that they've be shortlisted for an award.

Anyone hosting or working with volunteers internally on campus or externally in the community can nominate a volunteer. Additionally, any current volunteer could nominate another volunteer, or nominate themselves for an award as part of a team.

Your nomination should describe the contribution the volunteer has made in their role. For example, you could include how many hours they've contributed and their impact on your club or within your programme. Detail should include how they have achieved the criteria listed for the award you nominate them for. The recommended word count is 250 words.

Friday 29th March 2025

Placement students cannot be nominated for their placement role, but should they be doing any additional volunteering alongside this, they are eligible to be nominated for other positions.