The Charnwood Sports Awards are returning for their 16th year, and Charnwood Borough Council is urging residents, clubs, and local organisations to submit their nominations before the deadline. The annual awards celebrate the dedication of athletes, coaches, volunteers, clubs, and community groups who have made a lasting impact on sport, physical activity, and wellbeing over the past 12 months.
Nominations are open across 10 categories, with entries closing on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony at Burleigh Court in Loughborough on Monday, November 30, 2026.
New Categories for 2026
This year's awards include two new categories designed to recognise excellence at different levels of sport. The Elite Sports Person of the Year category recognises athletes competing at the highest levels of professional, international and Olympic sport, while the Sports Person of the Year award celebrates achievements and contributions from athletes competing at local, county and regional levels.
The full list of categories is:
- Let's Get Moving Schools Award
- Elite Sports Person of the Year
- Sports Person of the Year
- Let's Get Moving Volunteer(s) of the Year
- Outstanding Contribution to Sport/Physical Activity/Health
- Club of the Year
- Elite Team of the Year
- Team of the Year
- Community Partner of the Year Award
- Joe Humphries Memorial Trust Special Recognition Award
Council Encourages Nominations
Zoe Griffiths, Charnwood Borough Council's physical activity and wellbeing manager, said: “Every year we are inspired by the incredible talent, dedication and passion shown by people involved in sport and physical activity across Charnwood.
“Whether it’s an athlete achieving success on the national stage, a volunteer giving up their time to support others, or a local club making a positive difference in the community, these awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate fantastic achievements.
“If you know an individual, team, club or organisation that deserves recognition, I encourage you to submit a nomination before the deadline. We want to ensure the outstanding contributions being made across the borough are recognised.”
Last Year's Winners
Last year's awards celebrated a range of sporting successes from across the borough. England Rugby World Cup winner Lilli Ives Campion was named Senior Sports Person of the Year following her performances for Loughborough Lightning and the Red Roses, while Ashton Adcock received the Junior Sports Person of the Year award after signing her first professional contract with Loughborough Lightning Rugby Club and earning England Under-18 and Under-20 call-ups.
How to Nominate Your Community Champion
For more information about the awards and to submit a nomination before 27 September 2026, visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/sportsawards. Anyone interested in sponsoring the event can email the Council’s senior active recreation development officer Will Blanche at Will.Blanche@charnwood.gov.uk or active.charnwood@charnwood.gov.uk.
