Wigan rugby coach honoured at 2020 UK Coaching Awards

Scott Burns, the head coach for Wigan Warriors Physical and Learning Disability teams, has been recognised for his role championing inclusive sport and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to take part and benefit from physical activity.

The annual celebration - which recognises the diverse work of coaches, projects and organisations making a huge difference to the health and happiness of the nation - was held virtually on Thursday, December 3.

Burns said: "It’s unbelievable. Seeing our players develop as people, as well as players, it’s absolutely everything. It’s why we are in this job. We want to grow the individual and cater for them first of all. Rugby league, and sport in general, is just the vehicle, that’s just the thing that we use to get people the opportunities to thrive in society.”

UK Coaching’s director of coaching, Emma Atkins, said: “Our heartfelt congratulations to Scott, and all of our winners and finalists. What you’ve all achieved in this extremely difficult year is superb.

“You and the rest of the three million coaches in the UK have gone beyond the call of duty to make sure your participants didn’t lose momentum with their sport and physical activity goals and ambitions or weren’t isolated from the social-side of activity. You realised that for your participants, and indeed yourselves, coaching and staying active isn’t just a hobby or a past-time, it’s a way of life that deeply affects mental and physical well-being.

“We applaud you for your efforts, your inspirational resilience and the way you conducted yourself without fuss or fanfare.

“As we move towards Christmas and the new year, our message to the British public is don’t forget to thank your coach for the positive impact they’re having on yours and other people’s lives. Be kind, support one another and stay connected – we’re here for the coach.”