The Duke of Cambridge delivered a special video message during the 2020 Coach Core Awards with the latest news about his project with Prince Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge. The programme that they set up back in 2012 has “grown significantly over the last eight years” and is currently an independent charity.
The Royal Foundation-founded charity’s goal is to provide sports coaching apprenticeships for 16 to 24-year-olds who are not studying or working.
Its aim is to teach key skills to young people while helping them find their passion.
He praised the apprentices’ dedication throughout this year’s difficulties posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Duke said: “2020 has been difficult for everyone but COVID-19 has hit sport and the activity sector particularly hard at a time when it is needed most – for both our mental and physical wellbeing.
“This year more than any in the programme’s history, Coach Core’s apprentices have had to overcome challenges, adapt and learn to be flexible in the face of difficulty.
“I am so proud – both of your individual accomplishments this year – and of Coach Core itself.
“Coach Core started as a programme at The Royal Foundation and I’m pleased to say that over the last eight years it has grown substantially and is now an independent charity in its own right, working with over 500 apprentices in 14 sites across the country.”
He added: “So, congratulations once again to the entire Coach Core network for helping bring huge opportunities to young people and communities across the UK.”
“Similarly with Meghan’s miscarriage, it’s understandable that this tragedy would cause the foursome to stay in touch and check in on one another.”
During his video message, Prince William explained the importance of the apprentices’ ideas when it came to new ways of working while observing social distancing measures.
He praised the students’ services to their communities and close circles, saying they gave a “golden example” to follow.
William said: “Tonight’s award nominees have gone above and beyond in order to keep grassroots sport going. They have innovated and persevered in the face of a global pandemic to find new ways to coach in a socially-distanced manner.
