The annual event, now in its 9th year, offers 12 awards for individuals, groups, and schools.

"The North Lanarkshire Sport and Volunteer Awards highlight the power of sport to unite communities and the invaluable contributions of volunteers who make it all possible," said Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council.

"The event celebrates sporting excellence and provides an opportunity to thank the army of volunteers in our communities who give their time to support and inspire others.

"Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their remarkable achievements and for making a lasting difference to so many people here in North Lanarkshire."

The awards evening, which took place at Sir John Wilson Town Hall Airdrie, was hosted by John Kelly - an experienced Member of the Professional Golfers Association - and netball star Claire Maxwell was the guest speaker.

"The awards celebrate the commitment of coaches and volunteers who give up their time to provide sporting opportunities for people across North Lanarkshire. We greatly appreciate all they do," said Heather Liddle, Active and Creative Communities Manager.

Ellie Ann McPhee (Cumbernauld) – Jump Gymnastics: Young Coach of the Year, sponsored by ARG Travel  

• Ellie-Ann coaches four days per week at Jump Gymnastics and coaches the youngest age group within the women's artistic section. She recently completed her Level 2 Women's Artistic Course, attended school full-time and studied for exams. Ellie-Ann is an exceptional role model within the club that the young coaches and gymnasts look up to for guidance and support.

Katie Orr (Cumbernauld) – Jump Gymnastics: Young Volunteer of the Year

• Katie dedicates a substantial amount of her time to helping within the gym each week and focuses on her own gymnastics development. She supports the Junior Display coach with ideas and teaches the young gymnasts the new routine. Katie has recently been diagnosed with Tourette's. With her positive outlook and willingness to support others, she is an inspiration to everyone at the club.

Lauren Simpson (Motherwell) – Newarthill Primary School: Primary School Sport Champion

• Lauren is a probationary teacher at Newarthill Primary School. She has transformed the school's views on sport and physical activity and has been the driving force behind its achievement of a gold school sport award. She has coached pupils in football and netball and enabled them to participate in tournaments. She has also provided pupils with opportunities to participate in numerous festivals and events.

Finola Tuite (Coatbridge) – St Ambrose High School: Secondary School Sport Champion

• Finola goes above and beyond to provide opportunities for the pupils at St Ambrose High School. Her passion for dance and netball within her secondary school impacts the life and experience of pupils at St Ambrose. Finola's continued support and encouragement is highly recognised by the wider school staff, pupils and community.

St Thomas PS (Wishaw) - Primary Sport School of the Year

• St Thomas' Primary School achieved its Gold School Sport Award, with 69% of its pupils accessing clubs this year. School staff, junior sports leaders, sports leaders, local clubs, and partners deliver clubs. The school sport committee has been a driving force in encouraging links with local clubs - providing tasters and pathways and has recently started offering handball as an option to pupils.

St Ambrose HS (Coatbridge): Secondary Sport School of the Year

• St Ambrose High School achieved the Gold sportscotland School Sport Award status and delivered a total of 49 extra-curricular clubs, which 548 pupils attended. St Ambrose HS provides an extensive sports leadership programme from S3-6. The sports leadership programme delivered by the schools enables pupils to lead sessions within the high school, local primary schools and Buchanan High School. The school have developed strong links with local sports clubs, Waysider Drumpellier Rugby Club, Bannan Fitness, and NL Titans Basketball Club creating a link between school and community sports.

Airdrie Community School Uniform: Project of the Year

• Airdrie Community School Uniform Bank is a local group of volunteers who do amazing work for their community. The organisation is eco-friendly and works tirelessly to improve education, support mental health, reduce isolation, and promote inclusion. Community is at the heart of everything it does, and it is making a huge difference to thousands of people's lives.

Emma Green (Cumbernauld & Motherwell – Active Schools: Coach of the Year )from Cumbernauld coaches in Motherwell)

• Emma leads the School of Netball programme at Braidhurst High School. She has taken a holistic approach to developing the girls in the programme, ensuring that they develop not only as players but also as people. She has supported pupils in transitioning to local clubs and also developed senior pupils as umpires.

Tryst 77 Handball Club (Cumbernauld) - Club of the Year, sponsored by Farmfoods

• Tryst 77 Handball Club have gone from strength to strength in an entirely unfunded sport in the UK. All four youth teams are Scottish Cup Champions. The senior teams qualified for the Celtic Cup in Belfast and the BritishSuper Cup, which was televised on BBC Sport. The 2008/09 girls' team played in the English Handball league and qualified for the play-off semifinals. The club ensures that player experiences and opportunities are at the forefront of what they do. The club fundraised over £4,000 to take players to the Handball World Cup in Sweden.

John McNicol (Motherwell) – Keir Hardie PS: Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Volunteer NL 

• John has been a committed and valued member of Keir Hardie Primary School over the past year. Throughout the last year, John has volunteered at a variety of events. He has also delivered extra-curricular clubs and activities. Alongside this, John is an active Keir Hardie Parent Council member, who drives sport forward at any opportunity.

Mary Cooke – NL wide - MacMillan Support Services: Changing Lives Award, sponsored by Volunteer NL

• Mary is a dedicated volunteer for MacMillan Cancer Information & Support Services. She has been involved since the project began seven years ago. When COVID brought challenges to face-to-face operations, Mary became a telephone buddy, continuing to support people in their time of need. She goes above and beyond her remit to ensure everyone has up-to-date information and the right expertise to support service users.

Isobel Edgar - NL wide - MacMillan Support Services: Outstanding Achievement, sponsored by Volunteer NL

• Isobel is a highly respected lead volunteer who has been volunteering with McMillan Cancer since 2018. Those who work closely with her describe her as hard-working, kind, giving and non judgmental. Her loving and caring nature has helped to create a positive environment for those in need.

The council’s Active and Creative Communities team would like to thank all the partners and local business that supported the awards event.