THE nominations for the Sport Volunteer of the Year 2018 are:

NIGEL ATKINSON

Try as he might, Ulverston Rugby League club chairman couldn’t hide his surprise at his nomination.

From getting involved with the North West Men’s League side when his son got involved, he has served as chairman of the youth section and latterly as chairman of the whole club for 16 years.

The team has eight teams, six of those are junior teams catering for players aged five to 16.

And Nigel said that the club is in his blood and he was part of a great team.

He said: “I was really surprised to have been nominated. But knowing that I have been nominated by people in my home town it’s very humbling.

“We’ve been around for well over 100 years and we do a lot for the community and charities so we are far more than just a rugby club.

“It’s become part of my life and you can say that I do it for the love of the club and the love of the game.

“We have a fantastic team on and off the field and the work that goes on to make sure the teams are able to play is incredible.

“I’m part of that team and I’ll do whatever needs doing. It’s an honour to be chairman of a fantastic club and this nomination is on behalf for all of us.

“Sport really brings people together and I’m very much looking forward to being part of a great ceremony.”

JOHN MURPHY

John Edwards might be 70, but there’s no stopping him passing on his knowledge of the beautiful game to young and old alike.

As well acting as treasurer for West Lancs team Ulverston Rangers, he also coaches at St Mary’s Primary as well as taking the school teams in their matches for the last five years.

But it’s a labour of love for John as he is able to pass on his experience to a younger generation.

He said: “I love coaching the kids and helping out at Rangers. It’s a fantastic club and it’s a pleasure to be a part of.

“It’s so important to get active and keep them active.

“There is a real problem with obesity in our society and kids being addicted to their games consoles or phones so getting them outside and getting exercise is great.

“They learn so much and not just football. It helps them develop as people, improve their social skills while getting exercise and keep fit and healthy.

“Making friends is hugely important and whether you are playing football or doing any other form of exercise it’s important to keep fit and healthy.

“It came out of the blue when I found out I had been nominated and I was just amazed.

“You don’t do it for awards or anything like that.

“You do it for the love of the game and the pleasure of seeing children enjoying playing football and having fun. It keeps me active and puts a smile on face to see the children enjoying themselves.

“There’s never a dull moment with the children and it keeps me on my toes.

"And there’s some good players in the school so you never know – there could be some future stars in there.”

TIM WINDER

TO be a sports man, you need dedication, ability and also the right coaching – and Tim Winder fills that role perfectly.

Tim runs the Leven Valley AC and helps to coach children of all ages to get them involved in athletics.

But it’s not just about getting people off their Xbox or PS4 and getting active.

He has set about creating a great running group that is making waves on a local, regional and national levels.

And his commitment has seen his own daughter, Olesia, take on several local titles and is currently ranked 310 in the UK.

But for Tim, its getting people active is its own reward.

He said: “I was a bit embarrassed when I heard as this is not what I do it for.

“The club now has 97 members after two years and it’s all the people that help out who make the club. The club is doing great and its them who should get the reward.

“We have lots of adults who have joined the club because their kids did and now they are running themselves.

“A lot of the kids are competing, which is what we wanted, and it’s fantastic.

“We have some very talented children and they are the real stars of the show.

“We are trying to get into schools and encourage more people to join the group as there isn’t much else to do around here so this is something positive.”

Among Tim's nominations sent to the judging panel, one nomination read: “Tim is a fantastic coach and has a great rapport with both the kids and adults and he would be a worthy winner.”