Once a year, we gather to recognize those who have truly made their mark on the city’s sports scene: from the home-run hitters and KO punchers to those who lift up their mates when all seems lost. They’re our friends, our family and occasionally, our blood-thirsty rivals.
This year, the F45 & That’s Shanghai Sports Awards will take place at The Camel on February 8, with people's choice voting opening January 11.
After the last couple of years' fundraising heroics, we will be also recognizing the sports team that raises the most money for charity over the course of the awards. Oh, and there will be a raffle fundraiser on the night, with all money raised going to the Baobei Foundation.
And now, without further ado, here are the nominations for U18s Coach of the Year:
Danny Howe – SUIS GB (Basketball)
Danny has committed a lot of his free time to coach the SUIS GB Grizzlies boys’ varsity basketball team. He has transformed the boys into one of the strongest school teams in the city. Danny's enthusiasm and attention to detail are second to none and his players hold him in very high regard. The boys have qualified for the SSSA basketball playoffs and are tipped to go all the way. The team have no gym to practice in, every session is managed outside on a court. This in itself is compliments to Coach Howe. Can a basketball team with no gym win the SSSA title? Danny believes so.
Carl Edwards – Dulwich Pudong (Football)
Since joining the staff at Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong, Carl has had a tremendous impact both on school sport and in the wider football community. Carl is well liked by both players and staff and is approachable and knowledgeable. His demeanor has been a real asset to the aspiring footballers at the college. In a fantastic display of coaching, Carl steered the U13 girls to a memorable victory in last year’s Phuket 7’s tournament. Beating off competition from 24 schools from all across Asia, it was an unbelievable achievement for that group of players. Under Carl’s expert leadership the girls negotiated the group stages and held their nerve through three knock out penalty shoot outs, to be eventually crowned tournament champions. Carl was also involved in coaching the U19 boys team who went undefeated last year finishing as top qualifiers for the city tournament and after two tough games on the day were crowned city champions.
Chris Barry – WISS (Soccer)
Chris Barry joined the WISS Tiger staff as an MYP Physical and Heath Education Teacher and Coach in August 2017. Chris began teaching and coaching in England and has worked at the International school in Atlanta, Georgia before arriving in Shanghai. Chris is a hard-working and knowledgeable educator which is evident in his teaching and coaching. This knowledge, combined with his passion for football/soccer carries over onto the pitch. He is dedicated and driven in his preparation for practices and games, which is shown through his players and their play. As a result, the WISS Tigers MS Girls Soccer Team, under his leadership, went undefeated this year in regular season play and were CISSA Champions. Chris is a caring, supportive and skilled coach, which makes him inarguably competitive for the category.
Mark Glover – BISS Puxi (Volleyball)
Mark has worked as the lead Volleyball Coach at BISS Puxi for four years and over this time, he has developed a culture of volleyball in a school which formally struggled in the sport. The hard work he has put into developing the grass roots of the sport in BISS Puxi and for the BISS Lions sports program is a shining example to the students. This is also something that is more valuable than the skills he has passed on to the senior students, some of whom have now become coaches themselves. In late 2017, Mark saw his hard work pay off when both the boys and girls BISS Lions 1st teams brought home the ACAMIS (YD) Volleyball title.
See nominees for U18s Personality of the Year & U18s Team of the Year.
How to Vote
Voting for the People's Choice Awards begins January 11 via WeChat. Follow us at SHurbanfamily or by scanning our QR Code and message our account 'sports awards'.
Feb 8, 7pm, free entry. The Camel, see event listing
