TRANSLINK and Ulster GAA have launched a new award to celebrate the outstanding work carried out by volunteer coaches within the Association.
The Translink/Ulster GAA ‘Coach of the Year’ award is open to coaches who work with teams at any level and from every code within the GAA in Ulster.
It is designed to recognise those coaches who, through exceptional commitment to the teaching and development of Gaelic games, put players, club and community first.
The overall winner will receive a prize which includes free coach travel for their team for one year, courtesy of Translink.
Nominations are now open online and Ulster GAA is calling on clubs, players and supporters to submit the name of the coach they think most deserving of the accolade.
Following this nomination phase a distinguished panel of experts, including Armagh football manager Kieran McGeeney, will select one finalist from each county. An online public vote will then decide the overall winner.
Encouraging everyone to get nominating, Translink chief executive Chris Conway said: “As part of our ongoing partnership with Ulster GAA, we are delighted to launch this award, which celebrates the superb work carried out by volunteer coaches at all levels within the Association.
“There are hundreds off grassroots managers and coaches who make a big contribution to the communities Translink serves, so we’re pleased to be able to recognise them in this way.
“So, whether it’s a youth manager who always goes the extra mile, rain, hail or shine, to make sport fun for the stars of the future, or a senior coach who inspires everyone in the club with their passion and commitment, submit your nomination and let us hear about them.”
Ulster GAA PRO Michael Geoghegan added: “Ulster GAA is delighted to announce this new award, in partnership with Translink, to recognise volunteer coaches across the province.
“GAA coaches really are the driving force behind our players, assisting them to achieve their full potential, across all codes and grades.
“I would ask club members and players to have their say by nominating someone who they believe has made an outstanding contribution to their club this season.”
To nominate a coach for this award, visit http://ulster.gaa.ie/coachoftheyearaward/. Nominations close at 11.59pm on Sunday, October 29.
