ECB Sky Sports Coach Awards Europe Region 2010 winners announced
The European winners of the Sky Sports Coach Awards 2010 have been announced today with three different countries being recognised.
Cricket Ireland, Gibraltar Cricket Association and Swiss Cricket Association all have winners for this year's awards that recognise individuals who have made a significant contribution to the support and development of coaches and coaching in cricket.
Ryan Eagleson of Cricket Ireland was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution and Services to Cricket Coaching Award. Eagleson's work has led to a recent upsurge in growth and development in the game in Ireland and particularly Northern Ireland. He led a new regional development squad coaching programme for age groups Under 11 to Under 15, organising the entire programme from facilities to coaches, participants to administration and acting as lead coach in selected sessions. This new programme has lead to increased numbers of participants and the introduction of new coaches, adding fresh ideas and approaches.
The Outstanding Coaching Award was awarded to Switzerland's Ivo Favotto. Favotto has had a huge impact on Swiss cricket in 2009 in his tireless efforts of organising matches, tournaments and events for young players; he has attracted new participants and provided new goals for experienced players, including organising a special coaching session at the Brit Oval indoor nets with a variety of elite coaches during a 2009 summer tour in England.
The final award goes to Mark Bacarese of Gibraltar for Young Coach of the Year Award. Bacarese works tirelessly on all school programmes to help develop the game in Gibraltar. He is also committed to out-of-hours sessions within the District programme that have been used to set-up the initial junior teams. Bacarese is always available to work with players to assist them to improve and is now regularly booked out with players for coaching in small groups and on a one-to-one basis.
ICC Regional Development Manager Europe, Richard Holdsworth who chaired selection of the winners said: "Ryan Eagleson continually goes the extra mile, forever giving up his time, to maintain his commitment to leaving a lasting legacy; this includes taking a tutor and assessor course to share with future coaches. His work at national level with Ireland Under 17 and Under 19 has also been documented and he thoroughly deserves the recognition of this award for all his continual hard work.
"Ivo Favotto has been outstanding in 2009; he has ensured that young players have the opportunity to play cricket on a regular basis so that they are capable of playing competitively against their peers in other European countries.
"Young Coach of the Year Award was thoroughly deserved by Mark Bacarese who is an integral part of the Development Staff in Gibraltar; his enthusiasm for cricket, and determination to see opportunities given to everyone who wants to take part. His hard work has also accelerated the improvement in his coaching style and reflects his dedication to the game."