AFTER leading North Cotswold Young Cricketers Club Under-13s to a league and cup double this year, Shaun Williams and Ed Payne have been nominated for Senior Coach of the Year.

The 51-year-old Williams has been with the club since 2000, a year after its formation, and with Payne they have helped develop some of the exciting youngsters coming out of the Blockley-based outfit.

As well as their impressive double, the side narrowly missed out on run-rate in the Ken Barrington Under-13 ECB Spirit of Cricket national finals at Oakham School in Rutland.

Parents of a club member, Kathy and Dave Moore, believe the coaches deserve some credit for their hard work.

They said: "Both these coaches have dedicated so much time to the club and have achieved so much this season with the Under-13s team, it would be a great way to say a huge thank you and to show how much their time and effort is worth."

Another parent, Sally Nobles, agreed they should be nominated for the award, which is being sponsored by The Forester.

She said: "Because of their dedication to North Cotswolds Young Cricketers and their belief in the side and for all the achievements made by the Under-13s teams this year – what a team!"

Although pleased with the nomination, Williams said the defeat in Oakham had left a bitter taste in their mouths but that the future looked bright for the boys.

"I am surprised someone has put me forward, I am very lucky to have been put forward," he said.

"I am very pleased to get recognition and it is excellent.

"I think grassroots sports are very important to be recognised.

"It wasn't until we got home that we were disappointed.

"At the time we were just very pleased to be competing against teams like Wolverhampton, Cambridge and the champions from Durham.

"All the Under-13s have signed up for next year and it might be a year too early for them to win because it is the Under-15s, but maybe the year after they'll have a chance."

● There are six weeks of voting to go for nominations for the Sports Awards, with the closing date Friday, October 16.

There are 12 categories, including Sports Personality of the Year as well as Junior Team of the Year, Senior Team of the Year and Junior Club of the Year.

There is also Official of the Year, Young Coach of the Year (under 18), Senior Coach of the Year (over 18 years), Disability Sports Person of the Year, Teacher of the Year and Outstanding Services to Sport in Gloucestershire, as well as a Readers' Choice award.