Bill Nicholson Legacy celebrated through Bursary Scheme

Gary Mabbutt joined participants on the Bill Nicholson Bursary Scheme to celebrate their achievements alongside the family of the legendary former manager at an event held at White Hart Lane.

The Bill Nicholson Bursary Scheme, now entering its sixth year of operation, was created by the Nicholson family to provide opportunities for people within the borough of Haringey to gain football and multi-sport coaching qualifications. The scheme offers local people aged 16 and over an opportunity to start their coaching career with the help and support of Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.

Participants are given the necessary funding to achieve FA Level 1 and 2 qualifications through the Foundation, along with guidance to gain certificates in multi-sport coaching, from basketball to cricket.

Launched in the 2008-09 season, over 75 local people have achieved coaching qualifications through the Bill Nicholson Bursary Scheme, with a further 15 individuals expected to gain a coaching qualification by the end of 2014.

Former Club captain Mabbutt presented awards to those who gained coaching qualifications during 2013, and spoke of the important role coaching played during his career at Tottenham Hotspur.

Gary said: “So many positive opportunities have been created through the Bill Nicholson Bursary, and I am delighted to be presenting these awards. Being a coach isn’t easy, and I’m sure Bill would have agreed with me, but these young people have worked hard to demonstrate that they have the qualities needed. Well done to all of you.”