GolfNow Belfast Sports Awards

GolfNow Belfast Sports Awards 2026

These awards recognise the sporting achievements of local players, coaches, team and volunteers.

In 2026, they form part of our European City of Sport programme, with 16 awards available across seven categories.

The winners were announced at an event on Friday 17 April, at City Hall.

• Check out the winners for 2026 and previous years

Sports award categories

The award categories are:

Pathway to Clubs

This award recognises an individual who has created a sporting pathway from education to club participation. The individual will have played a key role in guiding children and young adults to long-term involvement in sport and physical activity.

Healthy Lifestyle

This award recognises the contribution of an individual or group going the extra mile in the promotion of a healthy city. They should have made a positive impact on raising the profile and increasing awareness of the physical and mental health benefits of an active lifestyle.

Coach of the Year

These awards recognise the contribution of a club coach towards sporting achievement and increasing sporting participation in Belfast. Nominees must hold a recognised sport’s Governing Body qualification.
Coach of the Year categories are:

• Young coach - nominee must be under 30
• Senior coach
• Female coach - nominee must be female
• Disability coach

Team of the Year

The awards recognise a locally-based sports team in a junior and senior category that has achieved significant success within the last 12 months in their sport. Junior team nominees should be competing up to and including Under 19 level. Above this level should be nominated in the senior category.

Team of the Year categories are:

• Junior Team of the Year - competing at level under 19-years old and younger
• Senior Team of the Year

Sports Personality of the Year

This category recognises the achievements of both junior and senior sporting heroes in the international arena. Athletes should have gained significant honours and success within the last 12 months. Junior nominees should be under the age of 18 and senior nominees should be 18 and over on 1 January 2026.

Volunteer of the Year

This award recognises the contribution of the unsung heroes of sport. Nominees should be people volunteering within a sports club or community organisation beyond the coaching role. For example, this could include a parent who drives the team to and from matches every week, or a person who is always fundraising to support the club.

Sporting Hall of Fame

This award recognises the achievement of Belfast sports people in the international sporting arena. This could be a retired athlete or an athlete who is still competing and has achieved significant success in their sport.

Eligibility for a Belfast Sports Award

To be eligible for an award nomination, a nominee can either live within the Belfast City Council area or belong to a Belfast-based sports club or sports organisation.

Award winners

Check out all the winners from our Sports Awards ceremonies.

Belfast Sports Awards Sporting Hall of Fame

These athletes have been inducted into our sporting Hall of Fame for their contribution and performances in their chosen sport.

More information on GolfNow Belfast Sports Awards

For more information, contact:

Sports Development Officer
Sports Development
Cecil Ward Building
8-10 Linenhall Street
Belfast,
BT2 8BP