We are thrilled to announce that Gav Lee from Sleaford Town Junior Football Club has been awarded the 2024 Dallas Scott Davey Female Pathway Coach of the Year!

Gav’s dedication, passion, and unwavering belief in his team have transformed the Sleaford Town girls' squad, helping them rediscover their confidence and love for football.

For nearly two years, Gav served as assistant coach, supporting the team through a challenging period. Faced with constant losses and a dwindling number of players, the girls were on the verge of giving up. However, Gav's belief in the team never wavered. His positivity, guidance, and focus on fun and development above results have been instrumental in keeping the girls together.

When the head coach left, Gav stepped up as head coach, leading the team to a few wins but more importantly, restoring their team spirit and confidence. Even after a tough loss to a strong team, the girls left the pitch beaming, knowing how well they had played and grateful for Gav’s belief in them. Since then, the team has gone from strength to strength, with parents noticing a renewed “football sparkle” in their daughters.

Gav has gone above and beyond, organising team-building events and taking the girls to watch Boston United home games, all while making sure they never lose sight of having fun. His ability to communicate in a way the players understand and adapt when things aren't working has earned him the respect and gratitude of both the players and their families.

Gav’s commitment to nurturing both the development and enjoyment of his players is what makes him such a deserving winner of this award. His influence has had a lasting impact, helping the girls rediscover their love for football and, more importantly, their confidence in themselves as a team.

This year's Female Pathway Coach of the Year ward is sponsored by Dallas Scott Davey. As sponsors of the ‘Coach of the Year’ award category, Dallas Scott Davey (DSD) is proud to contribute towards recognising the vital role coaches play in the sport. 

DSD opened its doors in Lincolnshire three years ago and the team offer a friendly, local insurance broking and risk management service, with excellent customer care. 

Led by insurance professionals, Ed Davey and Darren Scott, who have almost 50 years combined industry experience - both are shareholders in the business and Lincoln City fans! 

For enquiries, contact Darren or Ed on 01522 449 711 or visit www.tldallas.com.

Congratulations, Gav, on this well-deserved recognition!

Watch the video below to learn more about Gav's journey and the positive impact he has had on his team.

Kirsty Dixon, Football Development Officer (Women & Girls), said: “We are incredibly proud to recognise Gav's remarkable contribution to women and girls' football with this award. His commitment to developing not just the players' football skills but their confidence and love for the game is truly inspiring. Gav’s ability to guide his team through challenging times, and bring out the best in each player, shows the profound impact a coach can have both on and off the pitch. He is a shining example of dedication and passion in grassroots football, and we are thrilled to see him receive this well-deserved recognition.”

The Lincolnshire FA Grassroots Football Awards Ceremony is set for Friday 18th October 2024 at Forest Pines Hotel, Spa, and Golf Resort. 

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