Manchester Sports Awards 2022

By Greater Manchester Moving | 01 December 2022 | TAGS: ["sports awards", awards

Hosted by Katherine Merry and Iwan Thomas, the Manchester Sports Awards 2022 celebrated the wonderful work Manchester’s clubs, coaches, volunteers, athletes, schools and community groups have done following a hugely challenging post-pandemic period.

The evening provided the opportunity to recognise the commitment and effort made by so many to maintain and develop sport and physical activity across our city.

Community sport and physical activity continues to go from strength to strength, as seen at the awards, and the evening was all about their achievements, offering the chance to pause, and take a moment and recognise how and where they have gone above and beyond.
 
Congratulations to all the finalists and the nominees for their contribution to community sport and physical activity here in Manchester.

Full list of winners

Event Recognition - UEFA Womens Euros 2022 
As a host city, Manchester played its part in the success of the Lionesses. During the tournament Manchester welcomed visitors for many different countries and was a great meeting point for nations to enjoy the tournament. A record crowd of over 76,000 people at Old Trafford for the opening game of Euro 2022, a Fan Party in Piccadilly Gardens that welcomed over 20,000 fans from all over Europe, 3 Group games at the City Academy Stadium with over 12,000 fans and over 100 local volunteers soaking up the atmosphere and participating in a range of activations, The event also demonstrated a Legacy programme in Manchester that has seen a 33% growth in female participation in the last year alone, 10 ‘Just Play’ centers established in a range of diverse communities across Manchester & a programme of female only courses engaging 30 newly qualified coaches and referees

Outstanding Contribution to Sport - Belle Vue Aces
This year’s award recognised a sporting achievement that has been 29 years in the making. This iconic Club has been part of Manchester’s sporting landscape for 94 years, and won their sports most coveted domestic trophy earlier this year.

On a nail-biting October night in Sheffield, Belle Vue Aces lifted Speedway's Premiership Trophy for the first time in 29 years. The Aces lost by 10 points in the second leg of the Grand Final, but thanks to taking a 12 point lead with them from the first leg, they clinched the title.

Following recent investment from Manchester City Council, there has been a notable reaching out by the club to the local community, and engagement opportunities for young people to learn mechanic skills as part of the backroom team. This investment has reshaped and modernised Belle Vue’s sporting offer and it’s fantastic to see this matched with success on the track

Our Manchester - Richard Furber
Richard has volunteered at Sporting events in Manchester for over 20 years. He has played a huge part in the success of our events and a worthy winner of this award.
 
Community Project of the Year - Moston Cycling
The club has a focus on walking and cycling, this helps to improve people’s confidence, physical and mental health by connecting people and reducing social isolation. The club ran 14 events and activities throughout Spring and Summer this year; including led rides to help people explore their local area, bike maintenance courses to give people the skills and the confidence to cycle independently making more journeys by bike. 

Finalist - Al Hilal Regeneration Enterprise CIC
Finalist - Foundation 92

Junior Sports Achiever - Reuben Rowbotham Keating
Swim England & COMAST swimmer Reuben won a silver medal at this summer’s European Championships, despite being the youngest eligible age. In addition to this, he won 9 Gold and 3 Silver medals over the two National Championships in 2022.

Finalist - Leonardo Scott
Finalist - Liam Gray

Young Volunteer of the Year - Megan Parker
Megan was a worthy winner of this year's award for her brilliant work for Active Communities Network. Megan volunteered for 434 hours between September 2021 and August 2022, she continues to play an increasingly pivotal role in this local offer.

Finalist - Lula -Parker-Morrison
Finalist - Chloe Hamner

Club of the Year - Lancashire Lions
The club have worked hard to ensure that club activities are accessible to all, with assistance with transport and free sessions available. All equipment is provided, and participants can participate at the level they wish, with novice and elite players catered for.

Finalist - Taekwondo Machine
Finalist - Greater Manchester Basketball Club

Coach of the Year - Paul Downing
Paul's work with PD Coaching has inspired young players and provided a sporting opportunity for young boys and girls wh have come together to play football in a safe environment. Paul is a huge part of the local community and the players and parents all respect everything he's doing.

Finalist - Ilya Ovechkin
Finalist - John Robb

People’s Champion - Elaine Mann
Elaine won the award for her tireless work for Taekwondo Machine. She spends a lot of her free time helping with the club, promoting the club and attending committee meetings. Without her help, the club wouldn’t be where it is today.

Finalist - Helen Hardy
Finalist - Steve Hempstock
Finalist - Barbara Snelson
Finalist - Liam Gray

School of the Year - Ashbury Meadow Primary School
This year the school introduced a range of sports-driven intervention groups for young carers, children suffering with anxiety and children requiring emotional well-being support. Their introduction of an ‘emerging talent’ afterschool club for years 2/3/4 and an ‘elite development’ afterschool club for years 5/6 enabled more girls to access structured football sessions and created a real passion for the game. 

Finalist - Rolls Crescent Primary School
Finalist - St Johns Primary School