British Equestrian Federation awarded for coaching structure

The governing body of horse sport in Britain won an award last night for the system of coaching it has implemented across the UK.

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) beat two major sports — rugby and swimming — to claim the accolade of Governing Body of the Year at the Sports Coach UK awards in London last night (Tuesday, 8 December).

“This is a real high,” said Suzanne Genery, BEF head of sport development. “This award goes to all our regional coaches and disciplines, it is for them.”

The Governing Body of the Year award is presented to a sporting governing body that has made a significant contribution and impact on the development of a coaching system and individual coaches across the UK.

The BEF has been working with Sports Coach UK to develop and implement a coaching framework across the country.

BEF chief executive Andrew Finding said he was delighted the federation’s work has been recognised, particularly against big sports such as swimming and rugby.

“This helps demonstrate to UK Sport and Sport England that the funding they give us is being put to the best use,” he said, adding: “I also want to pay tribute to the leaders in the BEF’S 16 member body organisations — these are the people who make it happen on the ground.”

For more information about Sports Coach UK, visit www.sportscoachuk.org

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