Sport Lisburn & Castlereagh has opened nominations for the prestigious 2026 Drayne’s Farm Sports Awards. The aim of the awards is to celebrate the outstanding sporting achievements of individuals and teams from across the Lisburn and Castlereagh area.
The awards evening will take place at a special ceremony at La Mon Hotel & Country Club on Friday 20 November. The event will highlight the sporting achievements of individuals and teams either through direct participation in sport or contributions as a coach or administrator.
Nomination categories are now open for the Sports Club of the Year, Sports Coach of the Year, Senior Sports Team of the Year, Junior Sports Team of the Year, School Team of the Year, Junior Sports Personality of the Year, Senior Sports Personality of the Year and Sportsperson with a Disability of the Year and Disability Sports Team of the Year.
Junior and Senior Merit Awards are also available to commend volunteers for their dedication and essential backroom support to their club.
Launching the 2026 Sports Awards, Councillor Sharon Lowry, Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee, said, “The Sports Awards is your chance to nominate an individual or club making a real difference to local communities here in Lisburn & Castlereagh. We have many athletes who have achieved amazing results in their sport, so it is important to take the time to celebrate their success.
"The evening will be a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on a diverse range of sports and hear about the achievements of many rising stars and experienced athletes over the past 12 months. I know their stories will inspire many others to focus on their personal goals to reach their potential in their sport.
"I am particularly looking forward to meeting our special guest Sam Madden, who is Irish Freestyle Football Champion and seeing firsthand his amazing talent. Sam’s experience performing at major sporting tournaments and his coaching skills with young people will no doubt add to the evening’s accolades.”
“The closing date to make a nomination for the Drayne’s Farm Lisburn & Castlereagh Sports Awards is Wednesday 30th September at 5pm. I would encourage everyone to visit the council website and apply online today!”, concluded Councillor Lowry
Jimmy Walker, Chairperson of Sport Lisburn & Castlereagh added, “I am delighted that Sport Lisburn & Castlereagh can work in partnership with Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council to recognise those who have achieved so much in sport over the last year.
“I know the many hours of training, which are dedicated each week to excel in sport, particularly at competitive level. There are also many unsung heroes whose valuable technical support and coaching inspire others to reach their potential.
“I would like to thank Drayne’s Farm for once again sponsoring the awards and I hope many clubs and individuals will be encouraged to take the time to make a nomination and celebrate the wealth of sporting greatness in Lisburn & Castlereagh.”
Owen Drayne, Managing Director, Drayne’s Farm concluded, “Drayne's Farm is delighted to continue its sponsorship of these awards and support the recognition of sporting excellence across Lisburn & Castlereagh. The awards highlight not only athletic achievement but also the dedication, community spirit and teamwork that are at the heart of local sport.
"We are proud to be associated with an event that celebrates the success of athletes, coaches, volunteers and clubs who inspire others through their commitment and achievements. We look forward to joining in the celebrations and congratulating this year's nominees and winners."
Nominations are welcome from schools, clubs and individuals, residing or based in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area.
Nomination forms can be completed online by clicking here.
Further information if required can be obtained by emailing faron.morrison@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk
The closing date for applications is strictly Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 12 midnight.