Braintree District Volunteer and Active Braintree Awards 2026

The Award categories for 2026

The Award categories Description

Long Service Award

This award recognises volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding commitment over a significant period of time.

The award is open to all ages. For younger nominees, the length of service will be considered in relation to their age, for example, a young person volunteering for several years represents a significant commitment within their lifetime.

Inspirational Role Model Award

This award recognises volunteers who inspire others through their actions or achievements.

Nominees may have overcome adversity or challenges and serve as positive role models within their community, encouraging others to achieve their potential.

Going the Extra Mile Award

This award acknowledges volunteers who consistently go above and beyond what is expected in their role.

They may have taken on additional responsibilities, led special initiatives, or made a significant and lasting impact on their organisation or community.

Volunteer Group Award

This award recognises the contribution of a team of three or more volunteers.

The group may work within a club, organisation, or community project in the Braintree District and will have demonstrated strong teamwork, commitment, and achievement, either over a sustained period or through a specific initiative or event

Outstanding New Volunteer Award

This award celebrates individuals who have made an exceptional contribution within their first 18 months of volunteering.

Nominees will have made a clear and positive impact on their organisation or community in a short period of time.

Health and Wellbeing Award – Individual

This award recognises an individual who supports the wellbeing of Braintree District residents through physical activity.

Their work will have positively impacted participants’ mental and emotional health.

Health and Wellbeing Award – Group

This award recognises a group or organisation that improves the wellbeing of Braintree District residents through physical activity.

Their work will demonstrate a positive impact on participants’ mental and emotional health.

Sports Role Model – Adult

  • Must be aged 18 or over on 11 September 2026

This award recognises an individual who has inspired others through their participation in sport or physical activity over the past year.

This may include:

  • Personal sporting achievements
  • Acting as a positive role model
  • Demonstrating dedication and commitment

Open to all athletes, including both non-disabled athletes and those with a disability.

Sports Personality – Young Person

  • Must be aged under 18 on 11 September 2026

This award recognises a young athlete who has achieved significant success in the past year.

Achievements may be at:

  • Local, county, regional, national, or international level
  • Individual or team-based

Open to all athletes, including both non-disabled athletes and those with a disability.

Sports or Physical Activity Club of the Year

This award recognises a sports club or physical activity provider that has made a significant impact over the past year.

The club/provider will have:

  • Delivered organised and inclusive activities
  • Encouraged participation and engagement
  • Inspired new members to get involved
  • Demonstrated innovation or positive change

Sports Coach of the Year

This award recognises a coach who delivers a high standard of coaching and supports athlete development.

Nominees must:

  • Hold a current recognised coaching qualification
  • Demonstrate commitment to developing athletes and/or other coaches