NOMINATIONS for the 2016 Herefordshire & Worcestershire Sports Awards are now closed and it is time for us to profile the first two award categories.
Organisers Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire enjoyed the best year to date with a record-breaking number of tremendous nominations across all categories.
The shortlisting process has begun and the partnership is delighted to announce the first two category shortlists.
Junior Team of the Year
THIS award recognises a team that has achieved significant sporting success in the past 12 months and is sponsored by Spirit Executive.
The three nominees are the Ryland Netball Club (Bromsgrove) under 14 squad, RGS The Grange (Claines) under 11 girls’ hockey team and Nunnery Wood Colts ‘Raptors’.
Winners of Sport Worcester’s Junior Team of the Year award, Nunnery Wood Colts Raptors received automatic nomination for the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Sports Awards.
Since the age of four and five years, the individuals have been attending Nunnery Wood’s development centre. Recently selected to form a team, the Raptors proudly took home the ‘Respect Trophy’ in their first tournament – a great tribute to their behaviour, consideration and values shown both on and off the pitch.
Also recognised at the City of Worcester Sports Awards were RGS The Grange under 11 hockey team.
The girls have had a fantastic year, training three times a week, giving up lunchtimes and weekends, assisting with training sessions throughout the school, winning the Independent Association Prep School National Championships and becoming England Hockey In2Hockey Midlands under 11 champions.
Having only lost one match all season, the girls have scored 147 goals and conceded just 17, won all six of their tournaments and become excellent ambassadors for the school.
Completing the shortlist are Ryland Netball Club under 14 squad.
As winners of the Netball Worcestershire Youth League for under 14s, a number of players have subsequently been selected to represent Worcestershire and the West Midlands on a county and regional basis.
All members of the team have trained consistently throughout the year, entering tournaments all over the country from Poole to Bury. Their dedication, passion and phenomenal team spirit was at the forefront of their national seventh placed finish.
Young Volunteer of the Year
THE nominees for the Young Volunteer of the Year award are Sam Small, Jessica Hastings and Greta Kvietinskaite.
Sponsored by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, this award seeks to recognise a young person who dedicates their free time to encourage others to participate in sport.
As a positive role model, they will also be committed to their own personal development.
A member of Herefordshire Leadership Academy, Greta Kvietinskaite assisted the running of both the Herefordshire Winter and Summer School Games.
Greta attended many Level Two competitions off her own accord, along with all workshops and additional training to enhance her own development and achievement.
Committing numerous hours of volunteering, Greta is a fantastic role model to other young leaders and participants and always helps out with a huge smile on her face.
Also making the shortlist is Sam Small. Keen to give something back to the sport of tag rugby, Sam asked if he could volunteer his own time to support younger players, of a beginner level.
Since doing so, Sam has encouraged new players to take up and enjoy the games, increasing participation levels at Red Hill C of E Primary School.
Sam coached Red Hill’s year 5/6 tag rugby side to the quarter-finals of the West Mercia Tag Rugby competition. The pupils at Red Hill relate to Sam’s kind and patient nature, allowing Sam to show what a talent he has in the coaching area.
Jessica Hastings completes the line-up. Currently a Level One badminton coach, Jessica has enrolled to undertake her Level Two coaching qualification this November.
Jessica is extremely enthusiastic towards the uptake of badminton across Herefordshire, welcoming the attendance of female players to the Herefordshire Badminton Academy.
On behalf of Badminton England, Herefordshire hosted three national badminton tournaments throughout 2016. Jess was responsible for the administration and co-ordination of all three tournaments, to which she was an outstanding support and a credit to Herefordshire.
THE ANNUAL event, which is attended by more than 250 amateur and professional sports people, local businesses and dignitaries, will take place on Wednesday, November 9 at Sixways Stadium in Worcester. For tickets and further information, contact Sarah Mackay on [email protected].
After an incredible year of sporting success across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, you now have the chance to nominate for the headline Sports Personality of the Year Award, sponsored by Bullivant Media.
The winner of this award will be decided by public vote and could progress to become the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Simply send your suggestions by email to [email protected].
