Choose your champions for this year's Believe Sports Awards!
Winners on stage at the 2025 Believe Sports Awards
Nominations have officially opened for this year’s Believe Sports Awards, with Wigan Borough residents invited to choose their champions now.
The annual celebration of grassroots sport and physical activity will return to The Edge Conference Centre on Saturday 17th October, with Ashes cricket hero Matthew Hoggard appearing as a special guest.
Hosted by the council’s Be Well service and sponsored by local firm JJH Building Contractors Ltd, the ceremony will again shine a spotlight on the rising stars, unsung heroes and inspirational achievers from across the borough.
Residents can now nominate the individuals, clubs and groups they’d like to see recognised on the night via the Be Well website (external link).
Councillor Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “From magic days at Wembley to winning Olympic gold, Wigan Borough always punches well above its weight when it comes to sport - and that success is founded on a vibrant and thriving grassroots community.
“Our annual Believe Sports Awards are all about recognising and rewarding the people who make that community what it is; from the up-and-coming talents and successful teams to the tireless volunteers who give up so much time and energy to support local individuals, clubs and organisations to flourish.
“That hard work and sacrifice should not and does not go unnoticed, and it’s always such an incredible pleasure seeing those wonderful people given their moment in the spotlight.
“So if you know a person, club or group who’ve achieved great things over the past 12 months, or someone who always goes above and beyond to support others, make sure to nominate them for a Believe Sports Award so they get the recognition they deserve.”
Rugby league and combat sports dominated last year’s Believe Sports Awards, scooping six of the eight trophies on the night - all of which were presented by ex-Super League referee and special guest speaker James Child.
Ince Rose Bridge Sports and Community Club were named Club of the Year, while the Martin Lynn Team of the Year Award went to Wigan St Patricks ARLFC’s U14s Girls, and Shevington Sharks’ club secretary and honorary chairman Steve Bates was crowned as the Wilf Brogan Unsung Hero.
Young Sports Achiever of the Year went to Blaize Tingle of Aspull Warriors Wrestling Club, Reagan Swinburn of Jinsei Dojo took home the Overcoming Adversity Through Sport Award, and Boxing for Better CIC won the battle for the Inclusion in Sport prize.
Last year’s other victors were Volunteer of the Year Shaun Rotheram of Winstanley Warriors FC, and Changing Lifestyle Recognition Award winner Rachel Andrews, who hadn’t exercised for more than 20 years before joining Be Well’s Couch to 5k programme and is now a qualified run leader, half marathon runner and mental health first aider.
Councillor Ready added: “The Believe Sports Awards is not just about results on the pitch or in the ring; it’s about celebrating the power of sport and physical activity to make a positive impact on our communities and on people’s everyday lives. It’s always such a feel-good occasion and we can’t wait to honour this year’s winners!”
The full list of categories for this year’s Believe Sports Awards is:
- Changing Lifestyle Award sponsored by Technogym
- Club of the Year Award sponsored by Cornerstone DM
- Inclusion in Sport Award sponsored by Brookhouse Contracting
- Overcoming Adversity Through Sport Award sponsored by Leigh Leopards
- Martin Lynn Team of the Year Award sponsored by Wigan & Leigh College
- Volunteer of the Year Award sponsored by Wigan Athletic Community Trust and Wigan Warriors Community Foundation
- Wilf Brogan Unsung Hero Award sponsored by Sportmax
- Young Sports Achiever of the Year Award sponsored by Alliance Leisure.
Visit the Be Well website to submit your nomination before the closing date of Friday 14th August (external link).
Posted on Thursday 21st May 2026