A football coach who works as a COVID-19 team lead at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Durham has been named the final UK Amazon Star of 2021 winning a prize worth £2,000.
The Amazon Stars programme allows the company to thank employees who make an outstanding contribution to their community through volunteering, fundraising, and using their unique skills and talents to help others.
“Wow – this is amazing! Thank you very much to my team at Amazon in Durham for nominating me for this award. I really, really appreciate it. During lockdown, I wanted to do something to help the players at our club get through a difficult time and it’s really nice to know that your efforts are appreciated by my colleagues.”
– Richard Burtenshaw
Innovative coaching
Winner Richard Burtenshaw was awarded his prize due to his innovative coaching methods that meant boys who weren’t allowed to train at his football club due to COVID-19 measures received training videos at home. To help engage them in their new virtual training routines and to keep spirits up, Richard dressed as different superheroes in the videos, encouraging the boys to stay active and practice their skills. Due to his innovation, the club welcomed even more young players.
Richard’s colleagues thought his voluntary efforts should be rewarded, so they nominated him for the award.
As part of his personalised Dream Box prize, Richard’s club received a £500 donation from Amazon. He has also won a £1,500 travel voucher to take his family to Disneyland Paris in 2022 – something he has always wanted to do.
“Richard’s efforts to support young footballers in our community during lockdown were both innovative and inspiring and we’re over the moon that he’s won this award. Richard is a popular member of the team here at Amazon in Durham and we’re proud of everything he’s achieved with his club.”
– Radek Stegbauer, General Manager at Amazon, Durham