Wattie’s Baked Beans Volunteer Coach of the Year
Fact Sheet, July 2004
Volunteer coaches provide their time and dedication to young New Zealanders in all sporting codes. To recognise the
valuable role these unsung heroes play in grassroots sport, Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) and Wattie’s have
launched the Wattie’s Baked Beans Volunteer Coach of the Year awards!
Key volunteer coaching stats:
- Did you know there are 70,000 volunteer coaches in New Zealand.1
- Over 25% of adult New Zealanders are involved in sports in a capacity other than as a participant.
- Volunteers are most likely to be involved as parent helpers or coaches/instructors. Around 30% are also involved as
referees or officials and 29% as administrators.
- Coaches or instructors are usually men. In fact, almost half of male volunteers act in the capacity of
coach/instructor.
- Involvement as a volunteer parent helper is highest amongst women.2
About the awards:
- SPARC and Wattie’s are on the search for this year’s Wattie’s Baked Beans Volunteer Coach of the Year in a nationwide
competition.
- People currently coaching at club or school level (non-representative) can be nominated.
- There will be 17 regional winners, two runners up and one overall supreme winner.
- The Wattie’s Baked Beans Volunteer Coach of the Year winner will receive up to $5,000 towards coaching development.
What New Zealand sports people say:
- “Volunteer coaches contribute enormously to the creation of healthier more cohesive communities. They make a voluntary
contribution to society in terms of time and effort.”
Waimarama Taumaunu New Zealand Silver Fern 1981-1991
- “Typically volunteer coaches are committed, dedicated, enthusiastic individuals who are making a difference in their
communities. They determine that the sport experience their athletes have is a positive one.”
Mike McHugh, National Coach Consultant SPARC & assistant coach to the NZ Tall Ferns
- “Coaching is an incredibly rewarding experience. Volunteer coaches deliver essential services to their athletes and
the communities that they operate in.”
Don Tricker, Coach Team Leader SPARC & Volunteer Coach of the New Zealand Black Sox
Competition details:
- Entries are open from July 15 to August 26.
- Entry forms are available at www.watties.co.nz or www.sparc.org.nz. Regional Sports Trusts also have entry forms and
information.
- Entrants will tell Wattie’s and SPARC in 50 words or less why their coach deserves to be awarded Wattie’s Baked Beans
Volunteer Coach of the Year for 2004.
1 As estimated by SPARC, 2004
2 NZ Sport and Physical Activity Surveys 1997-2001