Manchester Sports Awards 2023

By Manchester Active | 09 November 2023 | TAGS: Sports Awards, Celebration

On Saturday 4 November, Manchester Active returned to the iconic Kimpton Clocktower Hotel for another evening of celebration and reflection on what has a been another fantastic year for sport in Manchester at the #McrSportsAwards 2023.

The ever-wonderful duo of Katherine Merry and Iwan Thomas hosted the evening that featured star guests and starry smiles all around the room!
 
We celebrated the wonderful work our clubs, coaches, volunteers, athletes, schools and community groups have done. The evening provided us with the opportunity to recognise the investment, commitment and effort made by so many to maintain and develop sport and physical activity across our city.

Check out the full highlights from the night HERE. 

We would like to say a huge thank you for their contribution to community sport and physical activity here in Manchester. Congratulations to all the finalists and the nominees. And a special thank you to all the sponsors, judges and team behind the scenes.
 
See the list of winners below:

People's Champion winner - Terry Hincks

Since joining Abbey Hey Football Club in 2020, Terry has been on a one-man mission to bring club and community together. In addition to developing an established team and setting up a new girls team, he has delivered summer camps and created and attended events in the Gorton community. Terry has developed the clubhouse into a safe and welcoming place for all, and it is now used by both the club and community. Terry juggles his full-time work with volunteering at the club and gets involved at every level, from sweeping the changing rooms and attending meetings, to securing substantial grants for the club. It is recognised that Abbey Hey Football Club truly cares about the local community, and this is mainly because of Terry’s ambition and hard work.

Community Project of the Year winner - Angels United
Angels United is a peer-to-peer bereavement support group and football team, set up by dads to provide support following the loss of a baby or child at any age or stage of pregnancy. A club that no one wants to have to join, Angels United provides a much-needed lifeline and the chance to connect with others who understand, both on and off the pitch. The club supports over 50 fathers and their families, allowing them to represent their children by wearing names on their shirts. Angels United has plans to offer more sports and walks to enable more families to be supported in the future.

Junior Sports Achiever winner - Jasper Mallik
Jasper started windsurfing at Manchester Watersports Club after the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then he has represented Great Britain at the Youth World Championships in 2022 and 2023, where he was the top performing GB sailor in his age group. In the past year he has won the Regional Championships and the Eric Twiname Championships, and is currently top of the GB National Windsurfing League in his class. In addition to his top-level performances, Jasper has supported HAF sessions at the club, volunteering his time over the summer to teach others how to windsurf.

Young Volunteer of the Year winner - Malachy Lees
Malachy is a volunteer boxing coach at Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Club. He coaches for two days every week, working with young people from the local community. Malachy became involved with the club when he was excluded from school, and now volunteers as part of his education. He is seen as a role model by young people and his peers, and has ambitions of being a fully qualified coach working within sport. Malachy’s technical coaching skills and personable approach make him an outstanding asset to the club and his community.

Coach of the year winner - Frances Campbell
Frances is a coach at Manchester Netball Club. She has built a reputation in the netball community for providingc a safe and happy environment for people to play, get fit and be coached. Frances volunteers almost 30 hours per week through her netball coaching in locations across the city. Through her hard work, membership of the club has grown and now includes men’s and mixed teams, in addition to those for women and girls. As well as the coaching she does herself, Frances also supports other coaches and
volunteers, ensuring that they have the knowledge and training required to keep everyone safe and supported.

School of the Year winner - Ladybarn Primary School
Ladybarn Primary School offers a huge variety of sporting opportunities both within and outside the curriculum. The school uses its sports leaders to support Key Stage 1 lessons on a rota basis, allowing leaders to work together to assist teachers and sports coaches in lessons. The school offers a wide range of after-school clubs, including BMX, archery and taekwondo – all free to access. Ladybarn has developed its playtime and lunchtime offer to mirror sports offered in PE lessons. This enables the children to practise the skills they learn in lessons and apply them in games with their peers. The school has strong links with a number of clubs, and children are regularly signposted to community sessions, allowing them to expand their love of sport fostered at school.

Club of the Year winner - Ancoats Run Club
Ancoats Run Club is a thriving community-run group in the heart of Ancoats. Established during the 2021 lockdowns as a way for residents to get to know one another, it has grown to almost 500 members in two years. Runs take place daily from Monday to Saturday, some attracting over 100 members. Ancoats Run Club is free to join and led entirely by volunteers, which allows it to put on a variety of runs to suit all abilities. The club has links to Philip’s Park parkrun, and has supported a number of charitable initiatives since its inception.
 
Our Manchester winner - Shannon Howarth
Shannon is currently the chair of the South Manchester Girls Football League, she has dedicated her life to support grassroots football ensuring females have the opportunities that she didn’t have when she was younger

Event of the Year winner - Davis Cup Manchester 
Bringing Tennis to Manchester the Davis Cup brought top class players from around the world as well as leaving a legacy for communities within the city putting tennis on the Manchester map

Event recognition winner - Manchester 2023 Para Swim World Championships
Inspiring athletes of all levels  that anything is achievable, this event showcased para sport at the highest level as well as showcasing the recently refurbed Manchester Aquatics Centre leaving a legacy for mancunians in the pool.
 
Outstanding Contribution to Sport winner - City of Manchester Institute of Gymnastics (CMIG)
Years of hard work have supported thousands of Manchester residents to achieve their best and get the best coaching possible anywhere in the country making CMIG worthy winners of this award.

More details of the awards can be found on Manchester Active's website.