Local Coach revealed as Finalist for the UK Coaching Awards 2020

UK Coaching have recently revealed their finalists for the 2020 UK Coaching Awards, with local Leicester badminton coach Prina Karia making the final of the 'Community Coach of the Year' category.

The showpiece event, seen as one of the most prestigious within the coaching community, will be held virtually on Thursday 3rd December. The annual awards ceremony aims to recognise the contribution coaches make in transforming live in communities nationwide - especially poignant this year, against the back drop of the coronavirus pandemic.

From the nominations, an expert judging panel has carefully deliberated and selected the finalists. The Community Coach of the year finalists are:

• Dave Rogers (rugby) (West Midlands, Worcester)
• Prina Karia (badminton) (East Midlands, Leicester)
• Samantha Williams Jones (multi-sport) (Wales, Anglesey)

From delivering beginner sessions to engage people in the sport to working with people with learning disabilities, Prina is passionate about empowering people of all ages and backgrounds to try badminton.

In her fun and inclusive sessions, Prina creates a rich learning environment where everyone is encouraged and supported to reach goals unique to themselves and their development.

Prina's first-hand experience of the stigmas associated with women's sport increased her determination to compete in international leagues at a Division One standard in badminton. She now offers ladies-only sessions to help other women realise their aspirations outside of established traditions. A fantastic role model, her efforts have changed the views of many in her community.

She has also developed a relationship with Badminton England and delivers weekly sessions of Women's Para badminton.

In line with the growing global concern over mental health and well-being, Prina has completed a Mental Health Awareness course and a course on dementia to better support participants.

(Source & Image: UK Coaching)

(Prina pictured centre with some participants of her ladies-only badminton sessions.)