History-making Driscoll named Best Male Coach at EUBC Awards
February 25, 2019 | by Matt Halfpenny
England Boxing’s Performance Coach Mick Driscoll has today (Sunday) made history by becoming the first Englishman to win at the EUBC Awards.
The 49-year-old (pictured, right, with Youth World, European and Olympic Caroline Dubois, left) was named Best Male Coach at the prestigious ceremony in Rotterdam and was presented with his award by EUBC President Franco Falcinelli.
The ceremony was streamed live on the EUBC website, with Driscoll’s success coming after an outstanding 2018 for the England talent squad at all levels.
Together, they claimed a record haul of 34 major championship medals, while the four English boxers to box at the Youth Olympic Games won three golds and a bronze between them, putting them second in the medal table behind only hosts Russia.
“It’s a fantastic honour to receive this award and I’m very proud and humbled, just as I was to be nominated,” said Driscoll.
“As I’ve said before, the achievements that have led to me winning have only been made possible because of the hard work and contributions of a whole host of people, so I’d like to thank each and every one of them for their much-valued input.”
England Boxing’s Head of Talent and Competitions, David Thorley, was thrilled with Driscoll’s landmark win.
He said: “This reflects the outstanding work done and commitment to the role from Mick, but it’s typical of him that he was the first to mention that there are a lot of other coaches, notably (Development Coach) Amanda Coulson, who have put a lot of work into the programme, as well as the boxers too.”
Driscoll’s career in the ring saw him win two National Elite Championships in representing City of Portsmouth Boxing Club, box for England and contend for selection for the 1988 Seoul Olympics as a light-welterweight.
He then turned professional at 18 where he fought for the British title before moving into coaching where he has been an even bigger success.
In 20 years as a coach, he has overseen the development of more than 100 national champions at West Ham Boxing Club, from Schools to Elite level, before stepping up to put his vast experience to good use with England Boxing.
You can view Mick receiving his award here. Scroll through to 9mins 15 seconds to view the coverage.
