Celebrating
local sport

Our Believe Sports Awards recognise the inspirational achievers, unsung heroes and community champions of Wigan Borough’s grassroots sports scene.

Choose your champions!

Sponsored by JJH Building Contractors Ltd, our Believe Sports Awards is a true celebration of sport – a chance to come together and mark the achievements of local individuals and clubs, and the incredible dedication of the many coaches and volunteers who make our local sports community so special.

Is there a tireless club official who goes above and beyond for your local club? Has your team or club shown true commitment to achieve great things? Do you know someone who has transformed their lifestyle through sport?

Nominate them for a Believe Sports Award and make sure their achievements get the recognition they deserve!

Nominations will open soon – please follow Be Well on social media for updates!

Award categories

There will be eight categories for this year’s awards. All nominations will be reviewed by an independent judging panel representing sport and physical activity across Wigan Borough, and the winners will be revealed at The Edge, Wigan on Saturday 20 September 2025.

Changing Lifestyle Recognition Award

Recognising the efforts of an individual who has used sport or physical activity to transform their lifestyle for the better. Sponsored by Technogym

Club of the Year

Recognising the achievements of a club and demonstrating ongoing commitment through opportunities they have provided over the last 12 months. Sponsored by Cornerstone DM.

2024 winners Black Scorpion Karate
2024 award winner Skyla Baybutt

Inclusion in Sport

Recognising a project or organisation that has tackled inequalities through sport and physical activity, removing barriers and improving participants’ experiences. It will have championed, inspired or empowered underrepresented groups, resulting in sustained or increased engagement over the past 12 months. Sponsored by FCC Environment.

Overcoming Adversity Through Sport

Recognising an individual who has shown drive and determination not to give up, who has overcome obstacles or personal difficulties to achieve their specific goal, or who has shown dedication in their sport. Sponsored by Leigh Leopards.

Team of the Year

Recognising the achievements of a club or school team who have achieved success, competed at a consistently high level and demonstrated a dedication to training, while also showing a commitment to fair play and a good sporting attitude throughout the year. Sponsored by Wigan & Leigh College.

Unsung Hero in Sport

Recognising long-term outstanding service to sport from an individual. Nominees must have been volunteering for at least 10 years. Sponsored by Agilisys.

2024 winner Graham Marston
2024 winner Amy Kershaw

Volunteer of the Year

Recognising the efforts of a volunteer who is seen as invaluable within their club or local community, demonstrating their passion and commitment for volunteering. Sponsored by Wigan Athletic Community Trust and Wigan Warriors Community Foundation.

Young Sports Achiever of the Year

A young athlete who is excelling and is demonstrating dedication to training. Nominees should be a resident of the local area and be under 24. They cannot be professionally funded through either an NGB or UK Sport.

2024 award winner Laci Tomlinson
2024 winners Wood Fold Primary School
2024 award winners Winstanley Walkers Over 50s

What we’re all about…

We’re passionate about helping people reach their potential, achieve their ambitions and live their best lives; whether it’s supporting and celebrating our local athletes, empowering residents to be more active, or providing specialist advice and guidance for your health and wellbeing.