The Bedford Sports and Physical Activity Awards, which were originally initiated by Sport Bedford and are supported by a range of local companies, recognise and celebrate the contribution of individuals, clubs and coaches to sports and physical activity locally.
The Awards have run for more than 30 years with hundreds of sporting clubs, teams and individuals being recognised, thanked and congratulated for their achievements and dedication.
Know someone who deserves recognition? Nominate them today
How to nominate
Download the list of categories and criteria (PDF)
Complete the online nomination form
Deadline for all nomination forms is 5pm on Tuesday 18 November 2025.
Award categories
Adult Personality of the Year
Adult Personality of the Year award aims to celebrate athletes who compete with a high level of skill, shows immense dedication and achieve success in their chosen sport in the last year. The nominee should be over 18 years on day of deadline (18 November 2025). Kindly sponsored by Jewson Partnership Solutions.
Junior Personality of the Year
Junior Personality of the Year aims to celebrate athletes who compete with a high level of skill, shows immense dedication and achieve success in their chosen sport in the last year. The nominee should be under 18 years on day of deadline (18 November 2025). Kindly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bedford Park.
Adult Disability Sports Personality of the Year
Adult Disability Sports Personality of the Year aims to celebrate individuals with a disability who take part in physical activity/sport. The nominee should be over 18 years on day of deadline (18 November 2025). Kindly sponsored by the Manor Hospital, part of Circle Health Group.
Junior Disability Sports Personality of the Year
Junior Disability Sports Personality of the Year aims to celebrate individuals with a disability who take part in physical activity/sport. The nominee should be under 18 years on day of deadline (18 November 2025). Kindly sponsored by the Gale Family Charity Trust.
Club of the Year
Club of the Year aims to recognise the achievements of teams and individuals attached at sports clubs; they will have a club accreditation and a range of programmes available. Kindly sponsored by Be Active.
Community Person Award
The Community Person Award is aimed at an individual who has or is helping to increase participation in physical activity at a community level. This can be in sport and physical activity, dance, exercise or healthy lifestyle activities provided in the Borough. Kindly sponsored by the Bedford Sports Foundation.
Community Club / Group Award
The Community Club / Group Award is aimed at clubs or groups who are helping to increase participation in physical activity at a community level. This can be in sport and physical activity, dance, exercise or healthy lifestyle activities provided in the Borough. Kindly sponsored by Better, Bedford Leisure Facilities.
Primary School of the Year
Primary School of the Year aims to recognise primary schools that engage pupils in regular physical activity and increase the staff and school PE profile. Kindly sponsored by Times Tables Rock Stars.
Secondary School of the Year
Secondary School of the Year aims to recognise secondary schools that engage pupils in regular physical activity and increase the staff and school PE profile. Kindly sponsored by Youth TV.
Team of the Year
Team of the Year aims to celebrate teams who compete with a high level of skill, show dedication and have achieved success in their chosen sport in the last year. Kindly sponsored by the University of Bedfordshire.
Coach of the Year
Coach of the Year aims to celebrate coaches who coach with a high level of skill, show dedication and achieves success with their team/individual in their chosen sport in the last year. This coach can be paid or unpaid. Kindly sponsored by the Bedford College Group.
Unsung Hero
Unsung Hero is aimed at recognising administrators, adult volunteers and fundraisers. Kindly sponsored by the Harpur Trust.
Young Volunteer of the Year
Young Volunteer of the Year aims to recognise young volunteers working in schools, community groups, clubs or on their own. The nominee should be under 18 years on day of deadline (18 November 2025). Kindly sponsored by Bedford Physical Education Old Students’ Association.
Service to Sport
Service to Sport aims to recognise a person who has contributed significantly to their sport or club over a long period of time. Sponsored by Bedford Borough Council.
How to nominate
Download the list of categories and criteria (PDF)
Complete the online nomination form
Deadline for all nomination forms is 5pm on Tuesday 18 November 2025.
We would like to attract nominations from as many different clubs, groups, individual schools, coaches, volunteers and teams as possible.
You can make as many nominations as you like – but you only need to complete one form for each nomination you would like to make. It is the content of each nomination that is judged and not the number of nominations received for each nominee.
The Award Ceremony will take place on Monday 8 December 2025 at the Corn Exchange. All nominees will be invited.
Email amy.stevens@bedford.gov.uk or phone 01234 718827 if you would like any more information.
We would like to say a massive thank you to our sponsors for your continued support.
Last year's nominees
For the full list of 2024 nominees and their amazing achievements please download the 2024 Bedford Sports and Physical Activity Awards programme (PDF)