Buffalo, N.Y. – Project Play Western New York (WNY) is pleased to announce that nominations for its Coaches Honor Roll Awards and Dick Gallagher Lifetime Service Award are now open. Individuals and organizations from Western New York are invited to nominate youth sports coaches from non-scholastic programs for the recognitions.
To be considered for a Coaches Honor Roll Award, coaches must receive separate nominations from two or more people. A fellow coach or youth organization leader must submit one of these nominations. Nominees must currently coach kids ages 13 and under in a non-scholastic setting, on a volunteer basis.
Submissions should describe how the nominee demonstrates the qualities of a great youth sports coach who is focused on youth development, promotes sportsmanship, and demonstrates leadership and integrity. Coaches honored will also exemplify the values of Project Play WNY, which aims to provide a more inclusive and supportive environment for youth in the region.
The Dick Gallagher Lifetime Service Award recognizes an individual who has used their platform as a youth sports coach or youth sports organization leader to support, recognize and advocate for youth athletes both on and off the field, for a decade or more. The award honors the legacy of Dick Gallagher, a tireless youth sports advocate and Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame inductee, who also dedicated his professional life to helping young people struggling with addiction.
Nominees for the lifetime service award must currently coach or must have previously coached young athletes 13 and under in a non-scholastic setting. To be considered, nominees must receive separate nominations from three or more people, with at least one nomination submitted by a fellow coach or youth sports organization leader.
Nominations should be submitted online and are due Sept. 7, 2026.
The nomination forms for the Coaches Honor Roll and the Dick Gallagher Lifetime Service Award, as well as a full list of criteria and eligibility information, can be found at www.projectplaywny.org/thank-you-coach.
Award winners will be announced in the fall and celebrated at Project Play WNY’s annual Thank You Coach event.
