A Tribute to Floros Nicola
Today 12th January 2022 marks the 10th anniversary of London FA Coach Educator Floros Nicola or Flo as everyone knew him, worked with him and was what his students called him.
Flo was an excellent Coach Educator, humorous, knowledgeable, fun and made the experience of being on a course enjoyable using a rare talent of getting key messages across in an engaging way.
He was a great multi skilled tutor, who would deliver Emergency First Aid, Safeguarding Children, FUTSAL and the core coaching pathway. So many people were fortunate enough to be taught by Flo like Max Rushden and David Jones and at the time of his passing, Flo was one of the most prominent coach educators for the London FA and National FA and is a great loss to the game, to his family and friends. RIP Flo.
Flo was a loyal friend to my Father and I, and was a very giving person, he would do anything I asked him, he was forever there for me. He was such an inspiration to the candidates that passed through him, no one ever had a bad word about him and likewise he did not speak ill of others. Flo was a very hardworking person, he was the one person I could rely on to go anywhere, day or night and he always delivered and I know in my heart he will not be replaced because he can’t be replaced.
Mark Drabwell- Former Assistant Head Coach London FA
I first met Flo in the hallowed halls of The Douglas Eyre Sports Centre and immediately liked his manner, his personality and his sense of humour. He was such a reliable person, great to work with, very dedicated, courteous and made the job easier and life more fun. A great man, who I have nothing but fond memories off and sincerely miss.
Neil Fowkes- London FA Coach Education Coordinator
I took Flo on his Uefa B course and it was a source of great pride to see him develop into a first class tutor who is still remembered with great fondness and gratitude for the contribution he made to coach education in London. In addition to his extensive knowledge, Flo had all the special qualities that top teachers of the game possess, namely humility, integrity, compassion and positivity. You always felt richer for being in his company and that’s why we and all the learners on his courses loved him.
Alex Welsh- Chief Executive Officer – London Playing Fields Foundation
10 years on and I still miss him. He taught me so much about how to be a true teacher for others. He was an outstanding mentor and a very dear friend, who not only taught me how to be a true sharer of knowledge, but also how to be true to oneself. He was always able to inspire students and fellow coaches to get the best out of themselves, simply as a result of leading by example. His honesty and passion for helping others, is what shines as a beacon for all to see. I will always miss him.
Corey Donoghue- Former London FA Tutor and Regional Safeguarding Lead
3 years have passed since we last saw Flo. We still talk about him which is a good thing. Good memories from a guy who was caring, thoughtful, good humoured and a warm hearted guy. He was an inspirational tutor who made learning fun. He is truly missed
Josie Clifford x
Flo had me in stitches every time I spoke to him, a man with a great heart, amazing soul and outlook to life. He is a great loss to this world, there should be so many more like him but will be a challenge to find. Still remains in all our hearts and never ever forgotten x
Summer George
Flo was more than an excellent tutor, he was a great character. I was proud to have him on our team of coach educators. As an ambassador for the Association I had total confidence that he would always represent us in the best light. A truly nice man.
David Fowkes
My special friend Flo
10 years have passed since we last pushed your car into the petrol station or you forgot your wallet at lunchtime!
So many things have changed since we lost you and we often say I wonder what Flo would make of it all but the one thing that hasn’t changed is the void you left behind and how much I miss you.
When Paxton Flo asks me who he is named after I will share the special memories and stories with him so he knows how amazing you were and we will never forget you.
We all miss you and think of you everyday xx
Jodie Drabwell-Stroud- Coach Educator London FA
Flo was a very special friend, I miss him every day and have so many fond memories. RIP.
John Drabwell- Former Head Coach London FA
“ Flo was one of our members but it was as a coach educator that I first really got to know him. I was on a course to renew my Safe Guarding Children course then known as Child Protection and being the oldest by quite some margin I was struck by the easy going style that he had which embraced the young Coaches and made them listen intently and thereby learn. He was always cheerful and smiling when he attended any of our sessions and therefore the LFCA wishes to be added to the list of all those who are remembering him at this time
Ken Goldman