Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
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Leeds Beckett University American Football coach wins national sports award
Carnegie American Football assistant head coach Dave Rowlands was announced as the winner of the BUCS Higher Education Sport Champion Award.
The award recognises his dedication to university sport as an outstanding volunteer and being an inspirational mentor to students.
A commitment to his own development was also recognised, having self-funded a visit to Texas to broaden his knowledge and understanding of the sport and expand his coaching skills.
During his time in Texas, Dave championed the BUCS programme, raising awareness of opportunities to study and play sport in the UK.
The award, announced on Twitter by England Netball head Coach Jess Thirlby, came as a complete surprise to Dave.
He said: “I feel a little embarrassed if I’m honest about the award because I’m just doing what I love, in the sport I love, for a place I love and doing it the best that I can.
“I take great satisfaction in working with young people and showing them what they are capable of and how to get there.
“I’m grateful that I had people mentor me when I was that age because it’s a difficult time in life, even if you don’t recognise that in the moment, to think that I can do something similar for others is humbling.”
Dave’s qualities go beyond coaching, he offers advice to students in all aspects of life and is an influential figure in the team according to his Head Coach Dale Bottomley.
He said: “Coaching is bigger than sport for Dave.
“He is passionate about helping people and has helped countless students with issues outside of football, including mental health concerns, family bereavements, living situations and even offering financial and legal advice, the latter he can offer in abundance as a former lawyer.
“Dave always has the students’ best interests at heart and for me sets a great example to aspiring coaches about what it takes to be a great mentor.
“We're fortunate to have him involved in our programme. He deserves the recognition for his hard work and the positive impact he's made on so many students. Dave is a credit to Leeds Beckett University, Carnegie American Football and all student sport.”
The Carnegie American Football Team claimed their first ever BUCS National Championship with an emphatic 57-13 victory over the University of Hertfordshire in 2019.
Working under the leadership of coaches Dale and Dave, Carnegie American Football has established itself as one of the top university American football teams in the UK.