Junior Sports Star 2016: NewsLocal is on the hunt for this year’s best young players, teams, coaches and supporters

NEWSLOCAL in on the hunt for Junior Sports Star contenders for 2016 — Kids who love playing sport, teams that are the heart and soul of the sports oval and outstanding mums, dads, coaches and supporters.

Search on for next Junior Sports Stars

WANTED: Future household names, kids who love to play sport, great teams that are the heart and soul of every weekend sports oval and the mums, dads, coaches and supporters who make it all possible.

If this sounds like you or someone you know, it’s time to enter NewsLocal’s Junior Sports Star awards for 2016.

The awards, now in their 12th year, are among Australia’s most prestigious awards for our up and coming sports stars.

Rouse Hill Times Junior Sports Star Medal winner Ryan Papenhuyzen pictured at The Waterview function center at Bicentennial Park at Sydney Olympic Park for the NewsLocal 2016 Junior Sport Star Awards. Picture: Richard Dobson

Cricket and Soccer player Ellyse Perry. Pic Darren England

They have been a key stepping stone for some outstanding young talent to achieve great success.

Previous overall winners have included boxer Jai Opetaia, kayaker Jessica Fox, cricketer Ellyse Perry, and Matildas footballer Teigen Allen.

Western Sydney Wanderers defender Ellie Carpenter, who was named as the Parramatta Advertiser Junior Sports Star for 2015, also made her debut for the Matildas earlier this month.

Last year’s overall winner for 2015 was rising rugby league star Ryan Papenhuyzen.

The awards have Rebel as the long-term major sponsor and there are four award categories again this year:

Young Sporting Spirit

Sponsored by Simonds Homes, the Young Sporting Spirit category recognises athletes who overcome obstacles and demonstrate fairness, sportsmanship and dedication in their sport.

The 19 winners of this category will each receive a medal and $500.

Team Spirit

This category is sponsored by Fox Sports Pulse. It recognises a team that has played fairly and in the spirit of the game.

The winning team will be awarded $1000.

Service to Sport

The Service to Sport category goes to an individual club member or volunteer of a sporting organisation who shows passion, spirit and determination.

This category not only includes coaches, but any volunteer who gives all their time and support to the club or a team, in the name of kids and sport. The winner receives $500.

Junior Sports Star

This category is awarded to the athlete who shows the greatest achievement in their chosen sporting discipline. The 19 winners of this category will each receive a medal and $1000.

The overall winner will take home the NewsLocal Medal at the presentation evening in February 2017. As well, the winner will receive $1000 and a plaque.

Who is eligible?

For the Junior Sports Star and Young Sporting Spirit categories, athletes aged 10 to 16. Service to sport is awarded to a supporter over 18, while Team Spirit is for teams made up of players aged 10 to 16.

For more information and to nominate somebody you know go to juniorsportsstar.com.au