Ex-Saints ace Thommo leads drive to find special volunteers

The unsung hereoes of sport i n g l i fe in Renfrewshire deserve a medal, says former St Mirren striker Stephen Thompson.

Stephen, from Houston, wants Express readers to make a nomination in the Renfrewshire Sports Awards 2017.

The awards aim to showcase the dedication and hard work of local sports club coaches, volunteers, officials and youngsters and nominations are open until June 30.

The former Sc o t l a n d international said: “It ’ s very important to recognise the work of the volunteers who are vital to the running of sports clubs.

“And it’s brilliant that these men and women who give up their time to coach kids and run sports clubs are getting the recognition they deserve with these awards.

“I got involved playing football with the Boys’ Brigade and then I joined Gleniffer Thistle, and it was volunteers who ran these youth teams.

“They are the unsung heroes of sport at grassroots level and I hope people take the time to nominate someone for the Renfrewshire Sports Awards.” The categories are: ● Coaching – Community Coach of the Year, Development Coach of the Year, Young Coach of the Year and Disability Sports Coach of the Year

● Officiating – Technical Official of the Year

● Volunteering– Volunteer of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year and Event Volunteer of the Year

● School Sport Honour Our Sport Award.

Stephen added: “Both my son and my daughter are involved in sports.

“Struan plays tennis and football and Gracie does gymnastics.

“It’s great for youngsters to get involved in sports and they can learn from what their coaches are telling them.

“But the most important thing is that they enjoy what they are doing.”

Ac ros s R e n f re w s h i re, there is a huge number of people of all ages and backgrounds involved a wide range of sporting activities.

And these awards are a chance to highlight some of the outstanding commitment that goes towards developing local sport.

This year’s event, presented by Renfrewshire Leisure, will be held on Thursday, October 5 in Johnstone Town Hall, with tickets priced at £25.

The evening will consist of the award ceremony itself, dinner and live entertainment.

Once nominations have closed, an experienced panel of judges will face the tough task of deciding this year’s worthy winners.

Joyce McKellar, chief executive of Renfrewshire Leisure, who are organising the awards, said: “Sporting activities as we know it wouldn’t exist without the hard work and dedication of volunteers. We want to hear about the people who deserve an award and we’ll give them the recognition for their efforts.”

Log on to www.renfrewshire sportsawards. com to make a nomination.