Ben Lampert, a coach with England’s deaf football team and Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, was subject of a BBC London TV feature earlier this month. The piece ran after Ben was named in the first selection of finalists announced for the UK Coaching Awards. The showpiece event, which will be held at The Tower Hotel London on 5 December, celebrates the outstanding work of a diverse network of coaches who promote healthy and active lives, unlock potential and provide a platform for people to thrive.

Ben, who is one of the country’s only full-time deaf football coach, is among the finalists in the Changing Lives Award category. Through his work for the Trust, his Deaf Sports Plus project is breaking down barriers by providing free sporting activities to deaf children and adults. Ben also works with hearing and deaf children in West London schools, coaching football and teaching sign language. In addition, he is Assistant Manager for the England deaf men’s football team.

The UK Coaching Awards recognise and reward great coaching from a diverse array of backgrounds. Previous winners range from coaches and organisations working at an elite level to those making a huge difference in their community. See the feature with Ben below.