Do you know someone in the local sporting world who you think deserves a huge pat on the back? Now is the time to get them recognised in your community!

The Rhondda Cynon Taf Sports Awards take place later this year - and organisers are now seeking nominations.

The cream of the County Borough’s sporting world will be rewarded for their effort and achievement - from sports clubs and schools, to individuals, coaches and volunteerswho have achieved in their chosen field.

The Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Sports Awards are open to all ages and fits in well with the Council’s successful Leisure for Life campaign which aims to get people of all ages active and undertaking exercise in a bid to improve their health and well-being.

There are a total of 11 categories in the 2013 Rhondda Cynon Taf Sports Awards, with nominations open until March 1.

The Rhondda Cynon Taf Sports Awards, organised by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Sport RCT team, will be held at the University of Glamorgan in July.

The event will recognise and reward those individuals who make an exceptional and essential contribution to keeping our sports clubs and organisation active, enabling them to go from strength to strength.

Cllr Robert Bevan, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development, Leisure and Tourism, said: “There are many people out there who work behind the scenes, from sports coaches to private investors, from those who cut the grass to those who organise the fixtures.

“It is these people that we want to show our appreciation to and acknowledge their efforts at the annual Rhondda Cynon Taf Sports Awards. That is why the nominations from the public are so important to us.”

The 11 awards categories at the 2013 Rhondda Cynon Taf Sports Awards are as follows:

Primary Teacher of the Year

This award is for a primary school teacher who has made a big effort to make sport fun and enjoyable in their school or local community. We would like a child or a group of children to make the nomination.

Secondary Teacher of the Year

This award is for a secondary school teacher who has made a significant contribution to the development of sports participation in their school or local community. This does not need to be a PE Teacher, it can be any staff member that works in a school

Young Coach of the Year

This award is for an individual in further education (University or College), that has helped make a significant contribution to the development of sport in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Applicants must be under 25 years of age.

Coach of the Year

This award is for a community, club or school based coach that has made a significant contribution to the development of sports participants in their chosen sport. Applicants must be over 25 years of age.

Young Volunteer of the Year

This award is for an individual who has volunteered their time in school or the community and made a significant contribution to the development of sport in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

They may help with the administration, developing a website, taking registers or helping with marketing. Applicants must be under 25 years of age.

Volunteer of the Year

This award is for those individuals that work tirelessly behind the scenes to do those jobs that no-one sees… they may book the fixtures, wash the kit, register all the players, attend the meetings or sort out the finances.

Without this person the club just wouldn’t be able to run. Applicants must be over 25 years of age.

2012 Legacy Award

This award will recognise and reward sports clubs, businesses and community projects that organise sport or fitness opportunities for residents to get active. Tell us about projects that have inspired people to take up a new sport or activity during the biggest year in British sporting history.

Team of the Year

This award is for a team that has achieved something really special this year, whether it be on or off the field. A team may have done lots of fundraising and worked hard to help their community, or they may have pushed themselves to achieve success.

Young Sports Personality of the Year

This award is for a sports person who has done something extraordinary this year. They may have worked hard, had success in their sport, or they may have gone the extra mile off the pitch, achieving something special. Applicants must be under 25 years of age.

Sports Personality of the Year

This award is for a sports person who has achieved something special this year. They may have had success in their sport, or they may have gone the extra mile and made a real difference! Applicants must be over 25 years of age.

Unsung Hero of the Year

This award is for a volunteer who gives invaluable time and effort to community sport in RCT from cutting the grass, to making the tea and coffee or taking the children to the game. Without this person, sport really wouldn’t happen in their community.

For further details on the 2013 Rhondda Cynon Taf Sports Awards contact Sport Rhondda Cynon Taf on 01443 490209 or email sportrct@rctcbc.gov.uk