Oxfordshire rugby coach nominated for national award
“When a child runs onto the field with a smile, or a non-verbal child finds their voice, you know you’re doing more than coaching. You’re building confidence and community.” Darren Rea, award nominee.
An Oxford rugby coach has been honoured for his success in setting up a rugby team for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Darren Rea, himself a partially-sighted type one diabetic, described his reaction to the nomination for an award that’s previously gone to people like Judy Murray, Aston Moore, and Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman.
“I was extremely shocked and humbled when I was made aware of my nomination and shortlisting for the awards.”
“On a personal level, I do have a feeling of impostor syndrome! But, I do feel honoured to have been recognised in this way for such a prestigious award.”
The nomination means he’s now a finalist for the UK Coaching Inclusive Coach of the Year Award sponsored by Inclusive Employers, recognising coaches who have championed inclusion and accessibility in sport and physical activity.
He admits he’ll still be the “biggest kid on the pitch”, and while coaching can be tough at times, he finds it very rewarding to know he is making a difference, adding, “From just the fun and engagement of a rugby session to the confidence building, relationships formed and the ability for children to be themselves. The impact ripples out.”
“Over the years, I increasingly believe in the deeper impact coaching can have. It can be life-changing for so many reasons. That’s what makes inclusive coaching so powerful, we see it opening doors and removing barriers.”
Of his nomination, he is very clear. “The award,” he says, “is just as relevant to every single volunteer, coach, parent and child involved in the SEND provision in rugby in Oxfordshire. The trajectory of the set up and the growth through to being established with five clubs and having a County SEND Rugby Festival as well as the England’s first County SEND Rugby team; the Oxfordshire Wolves’ doesn’t happen without shared vision, collaboration, partnership and a lot of enthusiasm!.”
The nomination comes with a weight of responsibility too. Darren feels that while it’s wonderful, there are two other equally deserving finalists in his category, and is quick to point out that it’s also about raising awareness and bringing visibility to the differences SEND rugby can make to children.
The real reward, he says, is the difference the club makes every week as well as the long-term benefits offered. “Being able to give children a voice, allow them to be heard and provide a platform for them to thrive, be themselves and feel accepted for just being themselves. Rugby is a great sport with plenty of variation for adaptation to offer all these things.”
He’s always been focused on inclusion, saying, “I truly believe that giving anyone the opportunity to feel their value and support them to grow can never be underestimated. I love rugby as a sport, but I also love the underlying principles from teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship.”
As Youth Chair and a coach at Gosford All Blacks RFC, Darren, originally from Northern Ireland, says his charitable nature stems from his upbringing.
His own coaching journey began when his eldest son started playing rugby after turning four. While coaching alongside his son, he recognised a lack of opportunities for children with additional needs, so he launched the SEND rugby provision in 2023 as Youth Chair.
Now the co-chair of inclusion, diversity and equality at Oxfordshire RFU, Darren is always looking to explore collaborative opportunities.
Under his guidance, the SEND rugby provision has already expanded to five clubs, a county SEND team, and a county rugby festival – Katiefest. Across these clubs, more than 100 children take part each week, creating life-changing opportunities for them and their families.
SEND Rugby
Katiefest, named in honour of former founding Wallingford Wolves member Katie Peel, has gone from strength to strength, offering inclusion and visibility.
The UK Coaching Awards is regarded as the most prestigious event within the coaching community.
Its CEO, Mark Gannon, says, “We are excited to announce the finalists of the 2025 UK Coaching Awards. Each year, we recognise some truly remarkable coaches from across the UK at every level, and it is always a challenge to select our finalists from an incredible group of nominations.”
The awards ceremony will be held on December 4th at The Queens Hotel in Leeds.
Find out more about this year’s finalists and the awards by heading to: www.ukcoaching.org/events/our-awards.