The idea revisits the old sports award programme which championed many Hull sporting heroes in the early stages of their career and originated during discussions between Hull City Council leader, Cllr Mike Ross, and Hull City captain, Lewie Coyle
The idea for bringing back the Hull Sports Awards came from a conversation between Hull City Skipper Lewie Coyle and Council Leader Mike Ross(Image: Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)
Exceptional athletes, dedicated grassroots volunteers, and community groups will take centre stage following the launch of the new Hull Sports Awards. It will recognise outstanding competitive achievement alongside the unsung efforts of those making physical activity accessible, inclusive, and healthier for residents across the city.
Accessibility and inclusivity will be central to the programme, with council leaders highlighting awards for Junior Sportsperson of the Year and Disability Sportsperson of the Year. The idea revisits the old sports award programme which championed many Hull sporting heroes in the early stages of their career.
The idea to bring the Hull Sports Awards back originated during discussions between Hull City Council leader, Cllr Mike Ross, and Hull City captain, Lewie Coyle, who reflected on the lasting positive impact winning an award early in his career had on his journey.
Cllr Ross said: “Hull is a sporting city where sport plays an enormous part in residents’ lives, whether cheering from the stands or getting active themselves.”
The 2027 event will blend elite achievement in the upper echelons of sport with a celebration of the grassroots work that is being delivered across the city.
“After speaking with Lewie Coyle about how Hull’s past sports awards helped inspire his own career, it felt entirely right to bring back a platform that honours both elite achievement and the dedication of our grassroots champions,” Cllr Ross added. “This inaugural ceremony marks the beginning of a key annual tradition celebrating the individuals who make Hull sport thrive.”
Delivered in partnership by Hull City Council, Hull Culture & Leisure, and Active Humber, the inaugural annual event will recognise outstanding competitive achievement alongside the unsung efforts of those making physical activity accessible, inclusive, and healthier for residents across the city.
Across ten categories, the awards will highlight contributions spanning amateur clubs, youth development, and inclusion. Recognitions include:
- Adult Sportsperson of the Year
- Junior Sportsperson of the Year
- Disability Sportsperson of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
- Active, Diversity and Inclusion Award.
The idea will help to make Hull healthier and will bring communities closer together, according to David Gent, CEO of Active Humber.
“Active Humber is proud to partner on an initiative that showcases how movement transforms communities,” he said. “Local clubs, coaches, and volunteers work week in and week out to make Hull healthier and more connected, yet their hard work often goes unnoticed. The Hull Sports Awards provide a long-overdue platform to celebrate that tireless commitment.”
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Nominations open at 9am on Monday, November 9, and close on Tuesday, December 15. The awards ceremony will take place next year, at Hull City Hall on Tuesday, February 9.
Nominees should live within postcodes HU1 to HU9 or actively contribute to a sports or physical activity organisation serving the area. Clubs based outside these boundaries are eligible if they demonstrate a significant impact within the city.
Nominations can be submitted as a written statement (up to 500 words) or as an optional 60-second video clip. Both formats carry equal weight during judging.
Judging focuses on the quality of evidence provided rather than the total volume of entries received. Individuals and clubs may be nominated across multiple categories, but separate, tailored submissions are required for each. Nominees will be contacted prior to judging to confirm their participation. To read full category criteria or submit a nomination, visit www.liveithull.co.uk/hullsportsawards.
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