Race is on for Junior Sports Awards nominations

In recognition of the sporting accolades achieved coupled with the remarkable talent shown by young sports people across the borough during this extremely challenging year, Lord Mayor Councillor Kevin Savage is encouraging everyone to get nominating for the Junior Sports Awards 2020.

The annual Junior Sports Awards celebration, which will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, shine a spotlight on the sporting achievements of local athletes at the very top of sporting competition to grassroots level.

They also recognise the dedication and commitment of coaches and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide a springboard for their athletes to achieve success.

Speaking at the official launch of the awards’ nomination process, Lord Mayor Councillor Savage said:

“It’s been a difficult time for those involved in sport since the start of the lockdown, so now more than ever, we need to look to the future and celebrate the achievements of our young people, along with coaches and volunteers for supporting them to reach their full potential.

I am full of admiration for our young people, who have shown great resilience this year and continued to pursue their goals of achieving excellence in sport as an individual or a team. Don’t let your hard work, sacrifice and dedication go unnoticed. We are seeking nominations from schools, sports clubs, individuals and members of the public.”

Nominations are open in 13 categories: Junior Male; Junior Female; Junior School Team; Junior Club Team; Youth Male; Youth Female; Youth School Team; Youth Club Team; School Coach; Club Coach; Young Volunteer; Sports Person with a Learning Disability and Sports Person with a Physical or Sensory Disability. 

The closing date for nominations is 5pm on Monday 16 November 2020. Those shortlisted will be revealed later this year, with the winners announced at a virtual awards celebration at the end of January 2021.

The Junior Sports Awards are organised by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Forum in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

Nomination forms can be requested from  or downloaded at www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/juniorsportsawards

Hard copy nomination forms must be returned to Anne Benson, Junior Sports Awards, Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Lurgan, BT66 6NJ or emailed to  

For further information, contact Sports Development Assistant Laura O’Hagan on 07436 537846.