University estates manager nominated for Coach of the Year

University staff member, Nigel Frankland, has been nominated for the Coach of the Year Award for this year’s Reading Sports Awards.

Nigel is a coach at Reading Canoe Club, where he has volunteered for the last 25 years. He has been coaching since 1987. Nigel is also Land Management Director at the University of Reading, where he has worked for 28 years.

Known by many in the canoe club as ‘the paddle wizard’, Nigel generously gives up his spare time to offer multiple training sessions each week, for groups of all ages, throughout summer and winter.

In his nomination, Nigel is described as: “…always willing to share his experience and expertise and does so in such an encouraging and supportive manner, he really knows how to bring the best out of people.

“He's also an incredible paddler himself and often pairs with other inexperienced paddlers that need some support, to give them confidence and help them grow.

“Genuinely a wonderful human being and an incredible coach who absolutely deserves some external recognition!”

Speaking of his award nomination, Nigel said: “I know and work with a lot of outstanding coaches, so it came as quite a surprise to see the nomination and shortlisting. I feel honoured, if a little embarrassed - but in a nice way.”  

The winners of the Reading Sports Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel on Tuesday 10 December.