The Bedford Sports and Physical Activity Awards are back and nominations are now open for the 30th edition of the awards ceremony which recognises sporting achievement as well as the contributions made by individuals, clubs and groups in Bedford’s sporting sphere.
The 2024 edition saw 157 nominees across 14 separate awards in a bumper ceremony that saw winners across the spectrum of sport; from football and hockey to sailing and bowls as well as schools, community groups and charities.
You can make your nominations for any one or more of the awards here.
The 2025 awards will once again feature 14 categories, offering something for everyone involved in sport and physical activity across the Borough:
- Adult Personality of the Year
- Junior Personality of the Year
- Adult Disability Sports Personality of the Year
- Junior Disability Sports Personality of the Year
- Club of the Year
- Community Person Award
- Community Club / Group Award
- Primary School of the Year
- Secondary School of the Year
- Team of the Year
- Coach of the Year
- Unsung Hero
- Young Volunteer of the Year
- Service to Sport
The deadline for all nominations is 17:00 on 18 November 2025.
Cllr Sarah Gallagher, (Conservative, Shortstown) and the Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience, Leisure and Culture, said, “These awards are a wonderful opportunity to honour the dedication, skill, and success of those who make sport and physical activity such an important part of life in Bedford Borough.
“From elite athletes to community volunteers, these awards shine a spotlight on the people and groups who help our local sporting community thrive. I encourage everyone to submit nominations and help us celebrate these incredible achievements.”
Last year’s fourteen award winners included Jean Fitch, who won the Unsung Hero award for all of her wide-ranging work at Bedford Hockey Club that includes publicity, social media management, photography and fundraising for the new pitches that have recently been unveiled at Chester Road.
Jean also runs the ever-popular Walking Hockey group that provides opportunity for anyone to get involved with the game.
There are also adult and junior sports personality of the year awards, as well as the coveted ‘Service to Sport’ award, won last year by Ian Brown, recognising a football career that has spanned over 30 years.
Read: The great and the good of Bedford sport celebrated at 29th annual awards ceremony
The ceremony will take place on Monday, 8 December 2025 at the Bedford Corn Exchange. All nominees will be invited to celebrate the achievements and successes of our sporting community at this memorable event.
The nomination form can be accessed via the Bedford Borough Council website here. The deadline for all nominations is 17:00 on 18 November 2025.
