Nominations Open for the 2025 Ards and North Down Sports Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Ards and North Down Sports Awards, celebrating outstanding sporting achievements across the Borough.

The official launch of the 2025 Awards took place on Friday 14 November at the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor, hosted by Denise Watson (U105). The event welcomed the Mayor of Ards and North Down, sponsors, members of the Sports Forum working group, special guests and some of last year's winners.

The Awards aim to recognise, promote and reward local sporting excellence, highlighting the dedication of athletes, teams, coaches, and volunteers who make a difference in our community.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said:
"Sport plays a vital role in our community, bringing people together and inspiring future generations. These awards are an opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent and commitment we see across the Borough every day. I encourage everyone to get involved and nominate those who make a real difference in local sport."

We are inviting sports clubs, schools, governing bodies, individuals, and members of the public to nominate their sporting stars in one or more of the following ten categories:

• Sports Person of the Year - Sponsored by Mervyn Stewart, North Down MG
• Sports Person of the Year U18 - Sponsored by Prestige Trophies
• Sports Person of the Year U15 - Sponsored by Exploris
• Sports Team of the Year - Sponsored by Progressive Building Society
• U18 Junior Sports Team of the Year - Sponsored by Newtownards Saturday Market Traders
• U15 Junior Sports Team of the Year - Sponsored by Ards Suicide Awareness Group
• Sports Coach of the Year - Sponsored by The Echlinville Distillery
• Volunteer of the Year - In memory of Alderman Menagh
• Lifetime Service Recognition - Sponsored by Ards and North Down Sports Forum
• Wall of Fame Inductee - Sponsored by the Mayor of Ards and North Down

Nomination forms and criteria can be found at - Ards and North Down Sports Awards | AND Leisure

Nominations will close 12noon on Monday 12^th January 2026.

The Awards Ceremony will take place on Friday 13 March 2026 at the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor.

For further information, please contact the Sports Development team at:
sportsawards@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk