The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards 2009

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year awards. The awards cover all sports and include women who work behind the scenes as well as those who break records and win medals.

Sport England is sponsoring the Community Club Volunteer Award. This award recognises individuals who have actively engaged different groups of women in community sport.

Last year’s winner was Kay Stokes, a part-time worker and mother of three, who coached aspiring triathletes at Cleveland Triathlon Club, as well as competing herself as an athlete. Kay spends seven hours a week working with juniors at the Cleveland Junior Academy (for kids aged between eight and 16 years old) and has organised social outings and entries into local and national competitions.

The awards will be celebrated at a star-studded lunch in London on Tuesday, November 3 - the venue to be announced.

The Categories:

• Team of the Year: celebrating the achievements of Britain’s best teams
• PE Teacher of the Year: highlighting the outstanding contribution of those who teach physical education
• Young Sportswoman of the Year: UK Sport award marking the success of sportswomen under the age of 21
• The Helen Rollason Award: recognising inspirational endeavour in honour of the late Helen Rollason
• Community Club Volunteer Award: Sport England award for individuals who have actively engaged with different groups of women within their community through sport
• Sponsorship of the Year: WSFF award for brands that have successfully supported and promoted women's sport in Britain
• Sport businesswoman: rewarding those making a mark in sports management, marketing and administration
• Lifetime achievement: CCPR award which recognises a lifetime of sporting success
• Sports leader of the year: celebrating excellence of those taking a lead role in women’s sport
• Sportswoman of the Year
• Disabled sportswoman of the year