Join the call to honour Glasgow’s sport stars, coaches and community champions before the September deadline.
The Glasgow’s Sport Awards 2026 open their doors to anyone who wishes to highlight the achievements of local athletes, coaches, volunteers and community organisations. This annual celebration recognises the power of sport to boost physical activity, wellbeing and social cohesion across the city.
Whether you have witnessed a remarkable performance on the track, a coach who has transformed a club, or a grassroots project that has lifted neighbourhood health, you now have a platform to make that contribution visible.
All nominations must be submitted by midnight on Wednesday 30 September 2026.
After the deadline, a panel of representatives from sport, physical activity and wellbeing sectors will review the entries and announce the shortlist in early November. The awards ceremony will take place at the Glasgow International Arena in December, providing a stage for winners to be celebrated among peers, officials and the wider public.
How to submit a nomination
Begin by visiting the official nomination portal and selecting the category that best matches your nominee’s impact. The online form asks for basic contact details of the nominator and the nominee, along with two short essays (maximum 200 words each) describing the background and the specific achievements within the past twelve months. A clear, concise answer that aligns with the category criteria greatly improves the chance of selection. Remember to keep the narrative under the word limit and to illustrate tangible outcomes – for example, increased participation rates, medal wins, or community health improvements.
Once you complete the form, you will receive a confirmation page indicating that your entry has been recorded. If you wish to nominate the same individual or organisation in multiple categories, you must fill out a separate form for each entry. Should you encounter any technical issues or have questions about eligibility, direct your inquiries to [email protected].
Award categories and eligibility
The 2026 ceremony features nine distinct awards, each designed to spotlight a different facet of sport and wellbeing in Glasgow. Below is a concise overview of each category, the essential eligibility rules, and examples of past winners that illustrate the standard of excellence expected.
Coach of the Year
This prize honours a coach who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to developing athletes or club members. Nominees must be either born in Glasgow, reside in the city, belong to a Glasgow-based club, or coach Glasgow athletes. Former recipients include Franco Smith, Jonny Mitchell and John Montgomery.
Community Club / Organisation
Recognises clubs or NGOs that leverage sport to address local needs, encouraging active lifestyles and fostering community connections. The award is open to any group delivering inclusive programmes within Glasgow. Previous winners: Easterhouse Sports Centre, Sapphire Gymnastics, Active Life Club.
Health & Wellbeing Project
Acknowledges projects that have demonstrably improved physical or mental health through sport-focused activities. Nominees should have measurable outcomes—such as reduced loneliness or increased fitness levels—and operate within the city. Past awardees include Glasgow Life Walking Football, Bluevale Community Club, Trans Active.
Lifetime Achievement
Celebrates an individual with at least twenty years of sustained commitment to sport or physical activity. Eligibility mirrors the Coach category: born in Glasgow, a resident, or a club member. Notable honorees: Raza Sadiq, Morag McCulloch, Willie Cameron.
Disability Sportsperson of the Year
Highlights an athlete with a disability who has excelled at local, national or international levels. The same geographic criteria apply. Previous laureates: Melanie Woods, Stephen McGuire MBE, Samantha Kinghorn MBE, Gordon Reid OBE.
Sportsperson of the Year
Rewards an athlete who has delivered the most outstanding performance over the past twelve months, making a significant contribution to Glasgow’s sport landscape. Past recipients: Laura McKenzie, Duncan Scott OBE, Katie Archibald MBE, Sir Andy Murray, Laura Muir.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Project
Honours initiatives that break down barriers and create inclusive sporting opportunities for all backgrounds. Projects must actively promote diversity and be based in Glasgow. Previous winners: WOMANity, Pollok United – PACE Project, Glasgow Afghan United – Women’s Empowerment.
Volunteer of the Year
Celebrates a volunteer whose time and effort have expanded sport access in schools, clubs or the wider community. Eligibility follows the same local criteria. Former awardees: Bill Stark, Nadine Graham, Abdul Bostani.
Youth Sportsperson of the Year
Designed for athletes aged 18 or younger who have achieved remarkable success at any competitive level. Nominees must be linked to Glasgow by birth, residence or club affiliation. Past winners: Helena Nabili, Dean Patterson, Zain Iqbal, Katie Shanahan.
Key dates, submission tips and FAQs
All categories, except the Lifetime Achievement award, should showcase achievements occurring between September 2025 and September 2026. Prepare your nomination materials in advance; the online form must be completed in a single session, so having the nominee’s details and impact statistics on hand will streamline the process. While AI-driven tools can help polish language, ensure you include specific, verifiable examples that align with the award’s criteria—generic praise often leads to disqualification.
The panel will review submissions shortly after the deadline and contact shortlisted nominees to confirm their willingness to be featured. Winners will be announced at the December ceremony, providing a public platform to inspire further participation in sport throughout Glasgow.
