Who deserves a place in the spotlight? With the Cruyff Foundation Coach Community Awards, we’re celebrating coaches across the UK, as well as the activities, social media and Cruyff Courts that have made a real difference over the past year. Know a UK coach who deserves to be recognised? Nominate them now!
The awards
- Coach of the Year
- Hero of the Cruyff Court of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
- Cruyff Court of the Year
- Social Media Post of the Year
- Partner Organisation of the Year
- Most Creative Coaching Activity of the Year
- Special Recognition Award
Important Data
- Open for entries: Monday 28th September 2026
- Deadline for submissions: Friday 23rd October 2026
- Judging: Tuesday 27th October 2026
- Awards Ceremony: Wednesday 4th November 2026, Anfield Stadium, Liverpool
For the coach who has consistently demonstrated and delivered quality sessions on the Cruyff Court and has demonstrated the ability to express Johan’s 14 Rules and 7 Values, as well as his philosophy and vision when delivering their sessions.
Criteria
- Attended the Cruyff Foundation Coach Course
- Quality of coaching
- Commitment to participant development
- Positive impact on participants
- Professionalism and good practice
- Contribution to the wider coaching community
- Commitment to continuously improving their own personal development
Nominations are requested from: Employers, local Councils, Head Teachers, peers, pupils and players receiving coaching, parents.
Include in your nomination: Confirm attendance at the Cruyff Foundation Coach Course, including the date if known. Explain how the coach expresses Johan’s 14 Rules, 7 Values, philosophy and vision in sessions.
For one of your young leaders who played an influential role in the delivery of your Heroes Programme.
Criteria
- Demonstration and application of learning from the Heroes programme
- Personal development and growth
- Positive influence on others
- Contribution to the ongoing programme and wider coaching community
Nominations are requested from: Cruyff Foundation Coach running the Heroes Programme.
Include in your nomination: Identify the Heroes Programme and the young leader’s role. Include examples of how they applied their learning.
For someone who has contributed their time and efforts as a volunteer to ensure quality sessions are run, activities are scheduled and the courts are maintained.
Criteria
- Commitment and dedication
- Contribution to coaching and participants
- Reliability and willingness to go above and beyond
- Positive attitude and teamwork
- Impact on the coaching community
Nominations are requested from: Cruyff Foundation Coaches, Cruyff Court operators, session activators.
Include in your nomination: Describe the volunteer’s role, the period of their contribution and examples of the difference they made.
For the Court that scores highest as a result of our annual Evaluation questionnaire and our internal impact scoring process. You can also send in your reasons why you feel your court is the best in the UK.
Criteria
- Presentation and quality of the Cruyff Court
- Ongoing maintenance of the Cruyff Court
- Accessibility and inclusivity
- Safety and welcoming environment
- Quality of the participant experience
- Innovation or improvements to the facility
- Compliance with end of year evaluation questionnaire
Nominations are requested from: Cruyff Court operators, local Councils, Head Teachers, Cruyff Foundation Coaches, pupils and players.
Include in your nomination: Confirm whether the end of year evaluation questionnaire has been completed, and for which year. Explain why your court deserves recognition. The Foundation’s annual evaluation and internal impact scoring also inform this award.
For the best social media post about an activity or event that took place on your Cruyff Court.
Criteria
- Creativity and originality
- Quality of storytelling/content
- Promotion and celebration of coaching
- Engagement and reach
- Positive and inclusive representation of coaching
Nominations are requested from: Employers, local Councils, Head Teachers, peers, pupils and players receiving coaching, parents.
Include in your nomination: Include the post URL, platform, account name, publication date and engagement or reach figures. Add a screenshot if the post is not publicly accessible.
To recognise the value that one of our partner organisations provides to our work in the UK in addition to their financial sponsorship.
Criteria
- Strength of partnership working
- Positive impact on participants/community
- Ongoing commitment to the Cruyff Foundation activities and philosophy in addition to funding
- Collaboration and innovation
- Commitment to developing the partnership
Nominations are requested from: Cruyff Foundation Team.
Include in your nomination: Describe the organisation’s contribution beyond financial sponsorship, with examples of collaboration and its impact.
For coaches to send in their most creative activity that they have run on their Cruyff Court with testimonials from the players who took part.
Criteria
- Creativity and originality
- Engagement and enjoyment of participants
- Coaching and learning value
- Inclusivity and accessibility
- Overall impact
Nominations are requested from: Cruyff Foundation Coaches.
Include in your nomination: Include the activity name, how it works, where and when it ran, and testimonials from players who took part.
For a person or organisation that the Cruyff Foundation feels has gone above and beyond to help further the work of the Cruyff Foundation in the UK and has increased or improved the impact for children and young people in the UK.
Criteria
- Exceptional contribution to the growth of the Cruyff Foundation in the UK
- Dedication and commitment
- Positive impact on others
- Going above and beyond expectations
- Lasting contribution or influence
Nominations are requested from: Cruyff Foundation Team.
Include in your nomination: Explain the exceptional contribution, how it improved impact for children and young people in the UK, and its lasting influence.