Warriors Foundation’s Isobel Brick shortlisted for Community Coach of the Year Award

Warriors Foundation Coach Isobel Brick has been shortlisted for the Community Rugby Coach of the Year Award in this year’s Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Awards.

The Parliamentary Awards is a celebration of the incredible work and impact achieved by Premiership Rugby and its clubs, demonstrating how their work is making an invaluable contribution to addressing some of the biggest societal challenges.

Premiership Rugby seeks to help tackle inequalities that exist, believing whole heartedly that all young people, no matter their background or ability, should have equal access to sporting opportunities which help them fulfil their potential.

The Community Coach of the Year Award is designed to reward and recognise the coach who has gone above and beyond to change the lives of members of their local community through their work on Premiership Rugby programmes. The winner will be announced at a ceremony, attended by MPs, at the House of Commons on July 12.

Brick has worked with more than 1,000 people in her role as an adapted sports coach for the Warriors Foundation, tailoring coaching to individuals who have their own complex needs.

With her specialist background in Special Educational Needs (SEN), she has proactively reached out to the SEN community delivering sessions through Project Rugby.

She recently introduced inclusive rugby coaching in specialist schools across the area and has created new SEN and inclusion teams at grassroots clubs to refer participants to so they can continue their rugby journey.

Her team describe it as ‘an incredible privilege’ to watch how she has introduced the most vulnerable people to rugby.

Brick has changed the lives of both young people and adults with SEN who previously may not physically or mentally have been able to join a sports team or had the confidence to do so.

She has brought these people together to experience a close-knit, supportive environment within the rugby community which embraces them no matter what.

Mackenzie Carson (Saracens) and Daisy Hibbert-Jones (Sale Sharks) complete the shortlist.

“We simply couldn’t deliver our community programmes without the support of the teams at the clubs,” said Wayne Morris, Community and Corporate Social Responsibility Director Premiership Rugby.

“Our three nominees have clearly gone above and beyond their day-to-day roles, helping to ensure our sport is as inclusive and accessible to everyone, no matter their background. Their passion and determination to drive real change in their local communities sets the bar for us all.

“With the help of our partners Gallagher, Wooden Spoon, Land Rover and CVC, our coaches, and volunteers we are proud to say we help over 250,000 people annually via our community programmes.

“From encouraging participation in sport to supporting physical and mental well-being, improving educational attainment, creating employment opportunities, and developing community cohesion – our clubs sit right at the heart of their communities and their work shows that rugby has the power to change lives for the better.’

Other awards being presented at the ceremony, attended by MPs and stars from Premiership teams, include Rugby Ambassador of the Year, Outstanding Achiever of the Year and Community Volunteer of the Year.

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