National Coaching Awards

Coaching and coaches form a critical part of the squash landscape in New Zealand. Coaches from across the country at all levels donate their time and knowledge to allow athletes to not only improve their game but to also to enjoy the game to its potential.

Established in 2002, the Squash New Zealand National Coaching Awards recognise the hard work and endeavour that coaches put in on a weekly basis.

Awards Categories

There are three award categories which are aligned with the National Coach Development Framework:

• New Coach of the Year : a coach who has been coaching for 2 years or less at any level.
• Club and School Coach of the Year :  a coach who is working with junior or senior athletes in a club or school setting (this could include coaching individuals, junior programmes, beginner coaching, schools coaching and graded teams).
• Performance Coach of the Year : a coach who is working with athletes at a District Representative Level or above, and / or working with a District Performance Squad.

Judging Criteria

When deciding a judging panel considers the following:

• Coach development - number of modules attended and other learning opportunities taken
• Coach activity - number of hours coached and types of programmes / services offered
• Athlete outcomes - evidence of improving players / teams performances to achieve results
• Coach's impact - influence that the coach has had on participation / membership

2024 Winners

Foundation Coach of the Year:  Dino Michalakis, Eastern 

Development Coach of the Year:  Shelley Kitchen, Northland