Telford students win 'Coach of the Year’

Two students from Telford College who have dedicated time to helping others develop their football skills have been rewarded for their efforts.

Ben Darrall and Abdul Samed Tanko Salifu – known as Sam – won ‘coach of the year’ titles at Shropshire FA’s Grassroots Awards. They both have completed their level three sport course at the college, were recognised in the Disability Pathway coaching category.

They have been running their college's Ability Counts sessions since September, volunteering over 60 hours each. This has included two coaching sessions every week, and managing the team in AoC Pan Disability tournaments. They have coached approx. 40 students in total, and made a real difference to Telford College's foundation learners. Without them we would had struggled to have the staff available to run these sessions.

They have also worked alongside our Women's Football Development Officer Apprentice on different projects with Ben also being one of the colleges ECFA Activators

Telford College sports supervisor Claire Riekstins said:

“Ben and Sam have each delivered over 60 hours of football coaching on a voluntary basis to the College Ability Counts team this academic year, as well as leading the team at tournaments across the West Midlands.

“The award they have won is for people who make a positive difference at the grassroots level of football.

“They have shown outstanding commitment and dedication to give up their time to lead these sessions. It has allowed Foundation students from the college the opportunity to participate in regular sessions and it’s something they have really looked forward to each week.”