Active Stirling Volunteer Awards

Young Coach of the Year

This award recognises an exceptional coach aged 14-21 (as of 1st January 2024) who has made a significant impact within a school, club, community group, community sport hub, or Active Stirling programme.

We’re looking for young coaches who:

• Inspire others and serve as role models to their peers and participants.
• Deliver enthusiastic, engaging, and motivational sessions.
• Create inclusive opportunities that remove barriers and allow everyone to participate.
• Commit time and effort to their own personal development.
• Are approachable, understanding participant needs, and work effectively as part of a team.
• Have delivered a minimum of 40 hours of coaching in 2024.

If you know a young coach who embodies these qualities, nominate them above and help celebrate their achievements!

Coach of the Year

This award celebrates an outstanding coach aged 22 years+ (as of 1st January 2024) who has made a significant impact within a school, club, community group, community sport hub, or Active Stirling programme.

We’re looking for nominations that highlight coaches who:

• Inspire others and act as positive role models.
• Mentor and support fellow coaches and volunteers.
• Deliver engaging, enthusiastic, and motivational sessions.
• Create inclusive opportunities, removing barriers to ensure everyone can participate.
• Commit time and effort to their own personal development.
• Are approachable, understanding participant needs and working effectively as part of a team.
• Have delivered a minimum of 40 hours of coaching in 2024.

Nominate an exceptional coach today and help us celebrate their dedication and achievements!

Young Volunteer of the Year

This award recognises an outstanding volunteer aged 14-21 (as of 1st January 2024) who has made a significant impact on the development of sport and physical activity within a school, club, community group, community sport hub, or Active Stirling programme.

We’re looking for nominations that highlight individuals who:

• Have demonstrated leadership as an ambassador, decision-maker, or organiser.
• Have supported activities beyond coaching, such as fundraising, social media, session planning, mentoring, or event organising.
• Are inspiring role models for other young people.
• Take a person-centred approach to volunteering, understanding and supporting the needs of others.
• Have contributed to special initiatives that benefit others and their organisation.
• Consistently go above and beyond in their role.
• Have volunteered a minimum of 40 hours in 2024.

Nominate a young volunteer who deserves recognition for their dedication, leadership, and impact!

Volunteer of the Year

This award recognises an exceptional volunteer aged 22 years+ (as of 1st January 2024) who has made a significant contribution to the development of sport and physical activity within a school, club, community group, community sport hub, or Active Stirling programme.

We are looking for nominations that highlight individuals who:

• Have shown leadership as an ambassador, organiser, or decision-maker.
• Have contributed beyond the coaching role, such as fundraising, session planning, social media, mentoring, or event organising.
• Have taken on special initiatives to support others and benefit their organisation.
• Inspire and serve as role models to those around them.
• Take a person-centred approach, understanding and supporting people’s needs.
• Have volunteered a minimum of 40 hours in 2024.

Nominate a volunteer who has gone above and beyond to make a positive impact in their community!

Sports Leader of the Year (2024-2025 academic year)

This award recognises an exceptional Sports Leader who has shown initiative and dedication as a volunteer within a school, club, community group, community sport hub, or health and wellbeing hub. This individual will have made a meaningful contribution to the delivery or development of sport and physical activity.

We are looking for nominations that highlight individuals who:

• Have demonstrated leadership as a sports leader, young ambassador, organiser, or decision-maker (e.g., part of a school sports council or Fit for Girls ambassador), making informed decisions on activities and scheduling.
• Have delivered extensive extra-curricular opportunities to benefit others.
• Serve as an inspiring role model to their peers and community.
• Take a person-centred approach, understanding and supporting the needs of others with kindness, inclusivity, and care.
• Show commitment to their role while demonstrating adaptability and resilience.

Nominate a Sports Leader who has gone the extra mile to inspire, support, and lead positive change!

Parent Volunteer of the Year

This award celebrates an exceptional parent volunteer who has made a significant contribution to the development of sport and physical activity within a school, club, or health and wellbeing hub.

We are looking for nominations that highlight individuals who:

• Have shown commitment, resilience, and the ability to adapt sessions to meet participants’ needs.
• Have delivered extensive extra-curricular opportunities to benefit their community.
• Serve as inspiring role models to others.
• Take a person-centred approach, understanding and supporting the needs of participants with kindness, inclusivity, and care.
• Have supported and encouraged other volunteers within their school or group.

Nominate a parent volunteer who has gone above and beyond to inspire and make a difference!

School Staff Volunteer of the year

This award recognises an exceptional school staff member who has volunteered their time to support sport and physical activity within a school club or health and wellbeing hub.

We are looking for nominations that highlight individuals who:

• Demonstrate commitment, resilience, and the ability to adapt sessions to meet participants’ needs.
• Have delivered extensive extra-curricular opportunities for pupils.
• Serve as inspiring role models to students, staff, and their community.
• Take a person-centred approach to volunteering, understanding, and supporting others with kindness, inclusivity, and care.
• Have supported and encouraged other volunteers within their school.
• Have created opportunities based on pupil needs, passion, or expertise.
• Have learned new skills in response to pupil requests or evolving needs.

Nominate a school staff volunteer who has gone above and beyond to inspire, support, and enrich the lives of their pupils!

SportAbility Volunteer of the Year award

This award celebrates a volunteer who has made an exceptional contribution to the SportAbility Programme, recognising their dedication and impact throughout the year.

We are looking for individuals who:

• Have played a key role in supporting any aspect of the SportAbility Programme, making a significant difference to its success.
• Have dedicated a substantial amount of time to volunteering, creating opportunities in disability sport and physical activity.
• Serve as an inspiration and positive role model for participants and peers alike.

Nominate a volunteer who has gone above and beyond to support and inspire within the SportAbility community!

SportAbility Club of the Year

This award recognises a club that has made outstanding progress in promoting inclusion and creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

The winning club will have:

• Significantly increased inclusion within their club environment.
• Developed meaningful sporting opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• Expanded competition opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
• Provided training and development opportunities for volunteers and coaches.
• Identified and nurtured athletes, supporting their growth and development.

Nominate a club that has excelled in fostering inclusion and empowering athletes with disabilities to thrive!

Club of the Year

This award celebrates a sports club that has made a significant impact in 2024 by providing engaging activities and services that encourage participation and attract new members from across Stirling. The club will have achieved notable successes or made standout changes to ensure their opportunities are accessible to all. Nominee clubs must be affiliated with ClubSport Stirling at the time of nomination.

We are looking for clubs that have:

• Implemented a strong coach development structure.
• Demonstrated inclusivity by offering opportunities for everyone to participate.
• Recognised and rewarded the contributions of their members and volunteers.
• Made tangible improvements to enhance the member experience.
• Taken actions to engage with their local community, such as through school links or community events.

Nominate a club that has excelled in fostering community, inclusion, and growth!

Community Impact Award

This award recognises a school, club, community group, community sport hub, or Active Stirling programme that has developed projects benefiting their local community. It goes beyond just sport and physical activity—it celebrates how these projects have used sport to create a positive social impact.

We are looking for nominations that highlight:

• Projects targeting a specific audience or community need.
• Initiatives that have raised funds for local charities.
• Involvement of participants in the development and delivery of the projects.
• Strategies to sustain and grow the projects over time.
• Projects that can demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes, such as reducing social isolation or boosting participants' confidence.

Nominate a project that has made a lasting, positive impact on the community!

New Walk Leader of the year

This award recognises a new volunteer walk leader who has been leading walks for up to 24 months after completing their Walk Leader training and is actively involved in the Active Stirling Walking Network. The nominee will demonstrate some or all the following qualities:

• Motivate participants and fellow walk leaders with their enthusiasm and professionalism.
• Go above and beyond to support and help others.
• Lead engaging walks, adapting to the needs of participants as required.
• Contribute fresh ideas to enhance existing walks or help establish new ones.
• Actively seek opportunities to gain experience from other walk leaders and expand their network.
• Remain approachable, friendly, and welcoming to all participants.
• Focus on the future of their walk, encouraging continued participation and the development of future walk leaders.

Nominees for this award are selected by Active Stirling.

Service to Walk Leading Award

This award recognises long-term volunteer walk leaders who have been leading walks within the Active Stirling Walking Network for over 5 years. The individual will have demonstrated some or all the following qualities:

• Motivated participants and fellow walk leaders with their enthusiasm and professionalism over many years.
• Consistently supported and helped others, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.
• Actively engaged in Walk Leader activities within the Active Stirling Walking Network.
• Adapted and evolved walks over time to ensure they remain relevant and accessible to participants.
• Shown unwavering commitment to the success and growth of their walk(s).
• Supported and encouraged fellow walk leaders to develop and thrive.
• Made a significant contribution to the walking community in the area, including supporting other walks or initiatives.
• Focused on the future of their walk, promoting ongoing participation, and developing future walk leaders.

This award honours those who have made a lasting impact on walking in the community!

Most Walking Volunteer Hours

This award is determined by Active Stirling and recognises walk leaders within the Active Stirling Walking Network who have volunteered the most hours.

The calculation is based on the following:

• The number of walks the leader is actively involved in, multiplied by the suggested unit time for each walk.

Please note that this award excludes time spent on administrative tasks, planning, or pre-walking routes.

Service to Sport Award (Clubsport Stirling ONLY)

This award honours a volunteer who has made a significant, long-term contribution to grassroots sport for over 15+ years. It recognises an individual whose selfless dedication has played a crucial role in the growth and development of community sport within a club setting.

This award not only celebrates their outstanding contributions but also highlights the unique qualities and approach they have brought to their work, setting them apart as an exceptional individual.

You may wish to nominate someone from your committee, a coach, or a dedicated volunteer within your club.

Wider Achievement

This award recognises an individual who has demonstrated creativity, resilience, and innovation in using sport and physical activity to create life-changing experiences. It is open to both participants and deliverers who have achieved sustained, meaningful change through sport and physical activity.

Examples include:

• Supporting individuals to access sport and physical activity, breaking down barriers.
• Helping individuals maximise their potential through sport.
• Creating or contributing to a programme with a lasting, positive impact.

This award celebrates exceptional efforts that go beyond the ordinary and make a significant difference in the lives of others.

Community Impact Award Winner: Equi-Power Central RDA

Club Engagement of The Year Award Winner: Strathendrick Rugby Club

SportAbility Club of The Year Award Winner: Milton All-Stars

Walking Group of the Year Award Winner: Rural Nordic Walking Group

Walk Leader of The Year Award Winner: Ian Nicolson

Most Walking Hours Award Winner: Ian Nicolson

Young Coach of The Year Award Winner: Sam Dickson

Coach of The Year Award Winner: Maureen Addison

SportAbility Volunteer of The Year Award Winner: James Ferguson

School Staff of The Year Award Winner: Sarah McLay

Sports Leader of the Year Award Winner: Niamh Imrie

Parent Volunteer of the Year Award Winner: Philippa Cochrane

Young Volunteer of the Year Award Winner: Alex Wallace

Volunteer of the Year Award Winner: Steven McCooey

Special Recognition Award Winner: Kenny Brown