Wayne Poulter Lancing

Coach of the Year (Adult): Wayne Poulter

The FA and McDonald's Grassroots Football Awards

We are delighted to announce that Wayne Poulter has won our Grassroots Coach of the Year (Adult) Award as part of The FA and McDonald's Grassroots Football Awards.

The awards aim to recognise and reward volunteers, match officials, clubs and leagues across the county who have made a difference to grassroots football in their local community.

Wayne manages Lancing FC Women, providing weekly coaching with a team of coaches and competing in the Sussex East Counties Women’s Football League. He also coordinates the new disability team, and helps coaching across the U18/23s teams too. 

In addition to the constraints of COVID-19, Wayne not only continued to manage the teams and offering high quality coaching and direction, but also regularly supports players 1-1, and is a committee member, also assisting in the stadium and on matchdays. Despite being very busy and with other commitments, Wayne’s professional conduct has always remained exemplary.

Wayne has, for the last two or three seasons, headed the development of new women’s and disability football at Lancing, attracting a range of diverse members from all backgrounds, and providing them with outstanding coaching and development opportunities. 

Wayne stood out because of his simultaneous attempts to be flat-out busy coaching, washing kits, organising administration for the teams, attending league meetings, running training sessions and matches, volunteering at the stadium and promoting women’s and disability football, whilst also having a professional, positive, kind, can-do attitude. 

When faced with obstacles Wayne sticks to the core principles that make a great coach and volunteer - respect, kindness, compassion, dedication and a resolve to do good - evidenced by the growing Women’s and Disability squads.

He has faced personal obstacles himself, from family matters, mental health, work changes due to COVID-19, and the everyday stresses of balancing work and a large set of responsibilities at football. He’s concurrently one of the busiest volunteers yet is also always punctual, positive and full of praise. 

He could have the longest day at work and football, and still bring cake to a training session! Wayne gives back to football & the community without expectation. 

Wayne had this to say, after winning the award: “I am extremely honoured to be receiving this award, Grassroots Coach of The Year and very grateful for the recognition and support I have received for my work from the club and Sussex County FA.

“It’s been an honour to be part of this well-established club and to work with so many amazing players. I look forward to continuing my role and development.”

To find out more about The FA and McDonald's Grassroots Football Awards please contact:

Awards
E: Awards@SussexFA.com 

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