Who are your young sporting heroes?

Just three of the many Chichester youth sport award winners in 2014 / Picture by Kate Shemilt

The scheme, run by Chichester District Council and backed by the Observer and the Rotary Club of Chichester Priory, is being run for a 13th year.

Celebrating the success and hard work of the area’s young sports stars, the awards have this year had new categories added.

This year’s categories are:

* Team of the Year

* Sporting Volunteer of the Year

* Community Volunteer of the Year

* Coach of the Year

* Young Person’s Commitment to Sport

* Outstanding Contribution to Sport

* Community Project of the Year

* Random Act of Kindness

* Outstanding Sports Performance of the Year

* Youth Sport Achievement

The YSA award is broken down into three categories – bronze for a young sportsman or woman who has represented their district, silver for those who have represented their county or region and gold for anyone who has represented their country.

Nominations close on Friday, April 24.

The awards ceremony will take place at the University of Chichester on Friday, July 10 at 6.30pm.

Cllr Eileen Lintill, the council’s cabinet member for wellbeing and community services, said: “Our youth achievement awards are a wonderful opportunity for recognising the dedication and hard work that takes place at grass-roots level.

“We have some very talented and committed young sportspeople who deserve a spot in the limelight.

“In addition, there are a great many people across our communities who give up their time each week, whether coaching or volunteering to help provide the fantastic sports opportunities on offer throughout the district.”

Nominations can be made online – go to www.chichester.gov. uk/sport to get involved.