THE achievements of Wirral's young sporting heroes will be honoured during a special awards ceremony later this year.

The Wirral Sports Awards take place on September 20 at Wallasey Town Hall. They are organised by Wirral Council and Wirral Sports Forum. 

Nominations are open until August 16 and include the following categories:

Volunteer Coach of the Year. This award recognises the achievements, mentoring, increased participation and success of coaching of volunteer coaches.

Sports Volunteer of the Year. This award will be presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution behind the scenes to their sport/club/school. This could be a club officer, committee member, fundraiser or official for example.

Young Sports Volunteer of the Year. Open to people aged 16-19, this award recognises the commitment, responsibility and outcomes of young volunteers.

Lifetime Achiever in Sport. This award will be represented to an individual who has provided an outstanding service to their sport.

Young Sports Person of the Year. This award will be presented to a person under 18, in recognition of their commitment and achievement in their chosen sport.

Sports Club of the Year. This award will be presented to a club with a well-established management structure, a comprehensive range of activities and development plan and demonstrable achievements.

Nominations could include sports clubs, coaches, sports volunteers, young sports people and those who have devoted years to sport.

Cllr Chris Meaden, cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: "Wirral’s sports clubs, athletes and volunteers are central to the borough's health and wellbeing, and to our development of grassroots sporting talent.

"The Wirral Sports Awards are our annual celebration of their hard work and success."

Previous winners have come from a variety of sports including gymnastics, hockey, taekwondo, athletics, trampolining, table tennis, sailing, squash, football, women’s rugby, aikido, swimming, tennis and cricket.   

Nomination packs are available from melindajames@wirral.gov.uk or 0151 637 6433.