The work that goes on behind the scenes to get athletes in prime condition will be applauded in what will be the Year of the Coach.

In order to ensure British athletes have expert back up for the Olympic games in London in 2012, UK Athletics have declared there will be a Coach of the Month award, open to coaches at any level.

Britain will play host to a world class coaching event in the autumn, as the UKA will also be seeking to make links between world class coaches to promote the country’s top coaching talent in the eyes of European and World athletics.

Kevin Tyler, UKA’s strategic head of coaching and development, said: “The Year of the Coach is a superb opportunity for us to really focus on this essential area and ensure that come 2012 the athlete-coach pairing is a natural part of the knowledge and storyline of our sport.”

Peter Stanley, former coach to world triple jump record holder Jonathan Edwards and England Athletics National Coach Mentor for triple jump, said: “I am delighted that 2010 has been earmarked as Year of the Coach.”