Charnwood Borough Council has opened nominations for the 2026 Charnwood Sports Awards, the 16th year of the event celebrating sporting achievements across the borough over the past 12 months.
Residents can submit nominations across 10 different categories. The deadline for entries is Sunday, 27 September 2026. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at Burleigh Court in Loughborough on Monday, 30 November 2026.
What the awards recognise
The awards celebrate the work of individuals, clubs, coaches and volunteers across Charnwood. They also recognise organisations making a difference to health and wellbeing.
Two new award categories have been introduced this year, both focusing on elite sports people and teams in the borough.
The Elite Sports Person of the Year category recognises athletes competing at the highest level — professional, international and Olympic — based on outstanding performance, medals, rankings or records at elite competitions.
The Sports Person of the Year is a broader category that can include athletes at local, county and regional levels, rewarding overall achievement, effort and contribution to sport. This ensures grassroots and emerging athletes are recognised alongside world-class professionals.
Previous winners
Last year, England Rugby World Cup winner Lilli Ives Campion won the Senior Sports Person of the Year award for her performances for Loughborough Lightning and the Red Roses.
Ashton Adcock won the Junior Sports Person of the Year award for her breakthrough year, which included signing her first professional contract with Loughborough Lightning Rugby Club and earning call-ups to the England under 18 and under 20 squads.
How to nominate
Nominations can be submitted at www.charnwood.gov.uk/sportsawards.
Anyone interested in sponsoring the event can email the Council's Senior Active Recreation Development Officer Will Blanche at [email protected] or [email protected].