The search is on for Northampton’s sports stars of the year as Northampton Borough Council opens nominations for its Sports Awards 2010.

The awards, which are now in their second year, recognise and celebrate the hard work, dedication and sporting successes of individuals and teams in the town.

Nominations are invited in the following categories:

· Community club of the year
· Team of the year
·Coachof the year
· Volunteer of the year
· Young sportsman of the year
· Young sportswoman of the year
· Young leader of the year
·GetActive 2010
· Disabled sports achiever
· Local sportsman of the year
· Local sportswoman of the year
· Sports school of the year
· Long time contribution to sport

The closing date for nominations is 12 noon on Thursday 9 September.

The winners will be announced at a special awards evening on Thursday 7 October. Winners will then go forward to a county awards, with some from that going forward to a regional awards.

Councillor Paul Varnsverry, Northampton Borough Council cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: “These awards recognise and pay tribute to our many excellent sportsmen and sportswomen, as well as to the people who contribute to their sporting success.

“Last year, five of the winners went on to win an award at county level and we even had a winner at the regional BBC East Awards, which was a fantastic achievement. We hope local clubs, sportsmen and women will be just as successful this year.”

Nomination forms are available from Northampton Borough Council’s sports development team by calling Northampton 837704, email stevejohnson@northampton.gov.uk or to download from www.northampton.gov.uk/sports.