The Award categories for 2025
| The Award categories | Description |
|---|---|
| Long Service | Nominations are welcome for volunteers who have shown exceptional long service and commitment over a number of years. This award is open to all ages but where the nomination is for a young person, the length of time of their commitment will be in relation to their age, recognising that for a volunteer who is, for example, 15 years old who has been volunteering for 5 years, this would be a significant commitment in their lifetime. |
| Inspirational Role Model |
Recognises volunteers who have made an exceptional contribution by inspiring others to achieve outstanding success, or who inspire with their achievements. They may have overcome adversity or difficulties and are shining examples to all of us.
|
| Going the Extra Mile | Acknowledges those who have gone above and beyond normal expectations in their volunteering role. They may have taken on one or more special initiatives to help others and the organisation. Perhaps they consistently make additional efforts in their role or have made a significant impact through their role. |
| Volunteer Group | Appreciating good teamwork and combined contribution by 3 or more volunteers. The group may have worked within a club/organisation or on an event or project in the Braintree District and have volunteered together for a significant period of time or achieved significant success in a specific area of work. |
| Outstanding New Volunteer | For volunteers who have recently come into a volunteering role and made an outstanding contribution to an organisation and/or their community in less than 18 months. |
| Volunteer of the Year | The winner of each of the volunteering categories will be considered for the overall Volunteer of the Year Award. It acknowledges outstanding volunteering either by an individual or group. |
| Health and Wellbeing Award - Individual | An individual who supports the wellbeing of residents of Braintree District through the use of physical activity, which has in turn positively impacted participants mental and emotional health. |
| Health and Wellbeing Award - Group | An individual, organisation or group who support the wellbeing of residents of Braintree District through the use of physical activity, which has in turn positively impacted participants mental and emotional health. |
| Sports Role Model - Adult (Must be aged 18 or over on 12 September 2025) | A person who has made a significant impact and inspired others through their participation in their sport or activity over the past year. This could be through their personal achievements, being an unsung hero, or serving as a dedicated role model that others admire. Open to all athletes – non-disabled and those with a disability. |
| Sports Personality – Young Person (Must be aged under 18 on 12 September 2025) | An aspiring young athlete who has made a significant achievement in the last year in their chosen sport or discipline. This can be at local, county, regional, national or international level and either individually or as part of a team. Open to all athletes – non-disabled and those with a disability. |
| Sports or Physical Activity Club of the Year | A sports club or physical activity provider that has made a significant impact over the past year by providing organised activities, keeping their members engaged and have encouraged individuals to try something new. This club/provider will have achieved great things or made some stand out changes to make their opportunities accessible to all. |
| Sports Coach of the Year | This should be someone who is committed to providing the highest standard of coaching to their athletes and/or helping other coaches to develop. Nominations must hold a current recognised coaching qualification. |
The following categories are physical activity only awards:
- Health and Wellbeing Award - Individual
- Health and Wellbeing Award - Group
- Sports Role Model - Adult (Must be aged 18 or over on 12 September 2025)
- Sports Personality – Young Person (Must be aged under 18 on 12 September 2025)
- Sports or Physical Activity Club of the Year
- Sports Coach of the Year
All other categories will be open for anyone to be nominated across all sectors, community, arts, sports, culture, etc.