Varsha Bailey-Gunputh
Story:
Varsha is an inspirational grass roots football coach. She brings contagious enthusiasm and lots of hand gesturing (being Italian!) To help get a tactical point across.
Over the last year, she put together a team out of all the people left out of the league and made something truly special.
Last year, she gave birth to her daughter Olympia and came back after only a few months to get back to coaching. Dedication is an understatement. She also plays in other teams and lives/breathes football.
Reason for nomination:
Varsha dedicates almost every night of the week to coaching women's and LGBTQ grassroots teams of all abilities. She also never asks for a penny - does it totally as a passion project.
The expert coaching she gives particularly to Olympia FC is second to none. She invites any ability to join the team and helps coach and encourage them to improve. Often you'll find her coaching with her baby on the side line cheering us on. She doesn't get any recognition outside of the team for what she does but she makes a big difference.
Photos:
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