Nominate your favourite sporting stars for the Mid and East Antrim Sports Awards 2026
Friday 19 December 2025
Nominations for this year’s prestigious Mid and East Antrim Sports Awards will open in early January – celebrating the Borough’s outstanding sporting stars, clubs, coaches and volunteers.
Organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, the annual event recognises outstanding achievements and service in sport locally and shines a light on MEA’s committed sports people and volunteers who dedicate themselves day and daily to being the best they can be.
Whether it’s someone who has inspired you, someone who has excelled in their chosen sport, helped build confidence in you or your child, or has dedicated a lot of their spare time to help with a local sports club – this is the perfect chance to nominate them and see their fantastic efforts recognised.
Nominations will open on Monday 5 January and close on Monday 19 January at noon.
The nomination categories are:
- Junior Sportsperson of the Year
- School Sporting Performance
- Sportsperson/Team with a Disability
- Manager/Coach of the Year
- Community Participation
- Team of the Year
- Services to Sport
- Sportsperson of the Year
There will also be two Balon Bursaries up for grabs to help give rising sports stars a welcome boost.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said: “I am delighted to launch the Mid and East Antrim Sports Awards 2026 and nominations will soon be open.
“Sport is so important in such a wide range of ways - from promoting healthy lifestyles, to bringing the community together, and inspiring our young people.
“We are pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to recognise the talent and dedication of our local athletes, teams, coaches and volunteers.
“We encourage everyone to help us celebrate those who have made significant sporting contributions to our Borough’s sports community – get thinking as to who you are going to nominate!”
The Sports Awards are kindly sponsored by the local business community.
We look forward to announcing the shortlist in early February.