Without your nominations people behind sports clubs would not net recognition

An award-winning football coach has spoken of the importance of recognising the efforts of community champions.

Jason Mullard, who manages a junior football team for Scunthorpe-based Park Tigers, scooped the Sports Coach of the Year prize at last year's Leisure and Culture Awards.

Mr Mullard, 39, spoke ahead of the inaugural North Lincolnshire Community Champion Awards, for which nominations are now open.

The North Lincolnshire Council scheme, run in partnership with the Scunthorpe Telegraph, seeks to reward people who give up their time for the benefit of the community.

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Mr Mullard, of Bottesford, has spent six years coaching the team, from under-eight to under-13 level.

And he urged people who know of similar community champions to put their names forward for this year's awards.

He said: "Obviously, it is important that people do nominate their particular coach or the person who is important to their or their child's activity.

"Without people nominating, these people don't get recognised."

Mr Mullard said he was shocked to win the Coach of the Year trophy last year.

He said: "I was surprised when I was awarded it and when I went to the ceremony, I was surprised at the wide and varied activities that people volunteered for.

"I have been a coach for six years and you don't expect any thanks for it but it is pleasing to be recognised.

"I have managed a boys' team from under-eights up to under-13s, so this is our sixth year.

"I also set up a girls' team and managed them for three years but this year I have had to pass this onto other parents.

"It took me by surprise to be invited to the ceremony and I was totally overwhelmed and shocked when I won it."

The Community Champion Awards are split into categories for volunteer, achievement, community and inspiration.

A total of 26 prizes will be presented at a ceremony to be held at the Baths Hall in Scunthorpe on Thursday, November 29.

Nominations can be made online at www.northlincs.gov.uk/ CommunityChampionAwards2012

Alternatively, call 01724 297270, e-mail community.recreation@ northlincs.gov.uk or collect a nomination form from the Telegraph reception, in Laneham Street, Scunthorpe.