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Sports development
Nominations are open for the GolfNow Belfast Sports Awards 2026. There are 16 awards across seven categories.
Our awards will recognise the sporting achievements of local athletes at all levels during our year as European City of Sport 2026.
We also want to recognise the dedication and commitment of coaches and volunteers whose work supports athletes and clubs.
The award categories are:
This award recognises an individual who has created a sporting pathway from education to club participation. The individual will have played a key role in guiding children and young adults to long-term involvement in sport and physical activity.
This award recognises the contribution of an individual or group going the extra mile in the promotion of a healthy city. They should have made a positive impact on raising the profile and increasing awareness of the physical and mental health benefits of an active lifestyle.
These awards recognise the contribution of a club coach towards sporting achievement and increasing sporting participation in Belfast. Nominees must hold a recognised sport’s Governing Body qualification.
Coach of the Year categories are:
The awards recognise a locally-based sports team in a junior and senior category that has achieved significant success within the last 12 months in their sport. Junior team nominees should be competing up to and including Under 19 level. Above this level should be nominated in the senior category.
Team of the Year categories are:
This category recognises the achievements of both junior and senior sporting heroes in the international arena. Athletes should have gained significant honours and success within the last 12 months. Junior nominees should be under the age of 18 and senior nominees should be 18 and over on 1 January 2026.
This award recognises the contribution of the unsung heroes of sport. Nominees should be people volunteering within a sports club or community organisation beyond the coaching role. For example, this could include a parent who drives the team to and from matches every week, or a person who is always fundraising to support the club.
This award recognises the achievement of Belfast sports people in the international sporting arena. This could be a retired athlete or an athlete who is still competing and has achieved significant success in their sport.
To be eligible for an award nomination, a nominee can either live within the Belfast City Council area or belong to a Belfast-based sports club or sports organisation.
To nominate a person or team for an award, you can use our online form.
Make a nomination for GolfNow Belfast Sports Awards 2026 (link opens in new window)
Nominations close at 12 noon on Monday 2 March 2026.
These athletes have been inducted into our sporting Hall of Fame for their contribution and performances in their chosen sport.
For more information, contact:
Sports Development Officer,
Sports Development,
Cecil Ward Building,
8-10 Linenhall Street,
Belfast,
BT2 8BP,
or call 028 9027 0515.
For more information and advice, get in touch.
Contact details
Sports Development, Cecil Ward Building, 8-10 Linenhall Street, Belfast, BT2 8BP
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