Local netball coach wins national award
A local netball coach has won a prestigious UK Coaching award in recognition of her work establishing her own netball team in the area.
Georgina Evans-Goodrich, founder of Scarletts Netball Club in Worcestershire, has been announced as the winner of the UK Coaching Community Coach of the Year – Adults Award sponsored by Badu. The award recognises those who support people of all abilities to stay active and engaged.
After being presented with her award, Georgina reflected: “My word after being nominated was ‘ridiculous’ but winning this is ‘double ridiculous’.
“I started the club because I wanted to play netball with my friends. Now, everyone brings a friend. We had three teams three years ago and now we have 17.”
Coaching netball for 15 years as a volunteer before taking the plunge to work full-time last year, Georgina provides an opportunity for anybody who loves netball and wants to play locally. This dedication has seen the Scarlett’s Netball Club triple in size in just 18 months.
Her commitment to coaching is reflected in her mentoring of her three current trainee coaches and 13 trainee umpires, offering to support their development and learning in her spare time.
While mentoring, she also continues to expand her coaching knowledge, gaining qualifications in cricket and rugby to strengthen her netball practice. She has also introduced a mental health officer to the club and leads fundraising for local women’s charities.
The UK Coaching Awards is regarded as the most prestigious event within the coaching community, established to recognise the invaluable role coaches play in building a happier and healthier society.
Previous award winners include Judy Murray and Aston Moore (Lifetime Achievement award), Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman (Great Coaching Moment of the Year), and the coaches behind Lucy Bronze and Katarina Johnson-Thompson's path to success (Coaching Chain award).
UK Coaching’s CEO Mark Gannon congratulated Georgina on her award, and for the profound coaching efforts that saw her honoured as part of the annual celebration: “At UK Coaching, we are so proud to be able to honour coaches like Georgina with UK Coaching Awards each year.
“Georgina, and all of our winners, finalists and nominees should take extreme pride in what they have achieved and been recognised for by those in their communities.
“Great coaching and coaches make such an impact on individuals’ lives and within their communities, helping to keep a whole nation active.
“It is so important that we recognise and celebrate great coaching.
“It is also key we acknowledge the tireless commitment and amazing work coaches across the nation deliver to support participants in their own unique journeys.
“Georgina is one of the nation’s top coaches who has helped to change so many lives through her dedication.”
