Do you know of a top quality coach, be it a professional, teacher or volunteer, who is the unsung hero behind a successful team or individual?

Or how about a junior sportsperson who has achieved excellence in their chosen field, and deserves some recognition?

If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then Brentwood Borough Council and Sports Council would like to hear from you.

The two organisations are launching their annual initiative designed to honour both the dedication of young sports achievers, and the contribution made by sports coaches and supervisors.

The Sports Coach/Supervisor of the Year award is open to any professional, voluntary or part-time individual who helps to coach or instruct sport in Brentwood.

The award will be judged on the success they have achieved over their coaching/supervisory life, or during the previous two years.

The criteria for the award state that: "Recognition must be given to those persons who are highly motivated, who are a credit within the coaching and/or supervision areas of sport, and who assist in the promotion and development of sport."

The Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award is open to all youngsters aged between 12 and 17, and who live within the Brentwood area, regardless of whether they attend a school within the area.

The nomination by individuals, clubs or associations must be for the success achieved over the previous 12 months, and judges will look in particular for success at county or county schools level, and to recognise the "hard work, determination and motivation" of nominees.

Nominations for either award must be forwarded to the chairman of Brentwood Sports Council by December 12, with the presentations to the winners taking place at the Annual Sports Awards Ceremony at Brentwood Borough Council Chamber in January.

Kevin Wray of the Sports Council believes the awards are the ideal avenue for recognising individual achievements.

"The response we have had in previous years shows that there are a lot of people out there, both coaches and young sports men and women, who have had great success in their chosen sport," said Mr Wray.

Nomination forms are available from Kevin Wray at the Brentwood Borough Council Offices, in Ingrave Road, Brentwood, or by telephoning 01277 261111.

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