From grassroots heroes to rising stars, the 2026 Reigate & Banstead Sports Awards shine a spotlight on the players, coaches, clubs and volunteers who make sport such a powerful force for good in our community.

There are twelve award categories to choose from, recognising people of all ages and abilities whether they are taking part or motivating others to train. There are awards for teams and individuals and they are open to all sports – with trampolining, martial arts, football and cricket some of those represented by last year’s winners.

The Changing Lives Award highlights the power of sport to provide the opportunities or the motivation that people may need to turn their lives around and the Inclusive Sport Award pays tribute to those who ensure there are no barriers to taking part.

Cllr Shelly Newton, Executive Member for Leisure and Culture says: “Community sport is about much more than competition – it’s about connection, resilience, health and wellbeing.

“The Reigate & Banstead Sports Awards are our way of saying thank you to those who dedicate their time and energy to help local clubs and teams to thrive in our borough week in, week out. They are also about celebrating those who achieve to the best of their abilities or inspire others to success.

“I encourage everyone to nominate their local sporting hero. It only takes five minutes to show your appreciation and give someone the recognition they deserve.”

Those shortlisted for all the awards, along with their nominees are invited to a very special awards ceremony at Reigate Manor Hotel on Friday 6 March 2026.

Here are two of last year’s winners speaking at the 2025 Sports Awards ceremony, explaining what being nominated means to them.

Aydan Wright from South Park Football Club and winner of the 2025 Young Volunteer of the Year Award says: “This award means everything to me. It just shows that what I’m doing is being seen by others … I want to say thank you to everyone who put me up for this award.”

Sean Reynolds from Fuzion Dojo, winner of the 2025 Coach of the Year Award, says: “It’s nice be actually recognised because you do lots of work that people don’t see … so it’s a great privilege.”

How to nominate
Anyone who lives in the borough, or represents a club within the borough can nominate an individual or a team in one of 12 categories:

Changing Lives Award
Club of the Year
Coach of the Year
Green Sport Award
Inclusive Sport Award
Junior Team of the Year
Senior Citizen Award
Sports Person of the Year
Team of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Young Sports Person of the Year
Young Volunteer of the Year

Nominations are quick and simple to complete online and the deadline is 12 January 2026. Entries can be submitted in more than one category, provided they meet the criteria and nominations are for the period 1 January to 31 December 2025.

Full details and nomination forms are available on the Council’s website at www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/sports-awards

2026 Reigate & Banstead Sports Awards sponsors

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council would like to thank the sponsors on board so far – Connick Tree Care, GLL, Little Kickers, PM Active, Reigate Priory Cricket Club, Run Reigate, RLM Locksmiths, Surrey Playing Fields and YMCA East Surrey.

If you are a local business interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact leisure.services@reigate-banstead.gov.uk

Source: www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/news/article/560/nominations_are_open_for_the_2026_reigate_and_banstead_sports_awards