The Clubbies are back !

Inside Sport is giving back to the unsung heroes of Australian sport by offering $10,000 in prizes though The Clubbies awards.

Grassroots sport is the heartbeat of so many Australian communities, bringing people together in healthy competition and The Clubbies aim to make sure these special people are recognised.

The Clubbies are not about the coach with the most wins or the club which claims the most premierships.

The Clubbies are about rewarding the dedication, integrity and sportsmanship of those who put their souls into community sport.   

For the second time, Inside Sport has partnered with the Confederation of Australian Sport, the representative body for 90 national sporting organisations to shine the spotlight on these selfless volunteers.

Award categories include, Best Club, Best Coach, Best Stalwart, Best Sports Association and Best Masters Performance.

Nominations close on January 30, with a short-list of nominees appearing in February. Voting continues until April 10, with the winners announced on May 18. Further terms and conditions can be read here.

To nominate your club click HERE

Nominations up this year are open to five key categories, with fantastic prizes for the best entry in each one:

• Best Club
• Best Coach
• Best Stalwart
• Best Sports Association
• Best Masters Performance

We’re not necessarily looking for the club or coach with the most wins or the best performances, or the biggest association.  We want to reward dedication, integrity and sportsmanship. 

2015 Awards went to:

• BEST COACH: Brad Crossingham, of Mount Isa

Besides working a 60-hour week, Brad volunteered countless hours: administrator, player, referee (when needed). Plus he is the coach of FOUR teams.

• BEST PLAYER: Elizabeth Pluimers, North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club

Last year, Elizabeth was the first person in surf lifesaving to achieve the Triple Crown by winning the Coolangatta Gold, Nutri Grain series and Australian Ironwoman title.

• BEST SPORTING EDUCATION: Palm Beach Currumbin State High School

For 20 years, Palm Beach Currumbin State High School delivered a world-class sporting curriculum across 12 sports (rugby league, girls' and boys' soccer and basketball, kayaking, netball, touch football, tennis, athletics, Australian football and surfing) covering both girls' and boys' sports.

• BEST CLUB STALWART: Brian McLoughlin, Tailem Bend Rowing Club

Brian has been the backbone of Tailem Rowing Club for 60 years and the President for 48 of them. He is fighting for the club’s survival. At 83 years of age, he is still to be found selling pub raffle tickets every Friday night. 

• BEST TEAM: Sydney University Cricket Club 2nd Grade

This team combines outstanding success on the field with the most vibrant and friendly social atmosphere in Australian sport.