Tom Zwinnen from Central Football has been selected as the 2023 National McDonalds Coach of the Year.
NZ Football announced he had won the award from the shortlist of regional finalists, selected for showing dedication, commitment, enjoyment and hard work this year.
The annual award is conducted by NZ Football and the six regional federations.
Tom Zwinnen, who coaches at Gisborne’s Ngatapa club, said: “My drive is to be a great parent and a good role model within the community. Coaching soccer for my kids and the club was the perfect way to do that.
“I started coaching my kids’ teams five years ago when they were age five.
“My focus was to make sure that every child felt safe, had fun, and came back for more, no matter their skill level.
“I never imagined that it would be so rewarding and that I would look forward to each training and game.”
The six regional finalists were:
Northern Region Football
Nadia Cosner
WaiBOP Football
Amber Roberts
Central Football
Tom Zwinnen
Capital Football
Simon Chrisp
Mainland Football
Bryan Llewellin
Southern Football
Bob Ormiston