Former England international, Gareth Southgate, has urged communities across the UK to give local sports heroes the credit they deserve by nominating them for the Barclays Community Sports Awards.

The Barclays Community Sports Awards, now in its third season, are monthly awards that recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals who use sport to benefit communities across the UK.

Anyone can be nominated for the award and each monthly winner receives £1,000 for their group or organisation, a limited edition trophy and is entered into the end-of-season award to win a further £5,000, all donated by Barclays Spaces for Sports.

Gareth, who heads up the judging panel with representatives from Barclays, commented: "The Barclays Community Sports Awards are an excellent way to showcase the great work that many volunteers do across the UK in grassroots sports. It’s important to recognise those doing so much for their communities, so I would urge people to nominate deserving candidates up and down the country for the Barclays Community Sports Awards.

"What’s great about the Barclays Community Sports Award is it is open to anyone, at any age, from any sport anywhere in the UK. So make sure you nominate a deserving local community hero in your area."

If you would like to nominate a local hero who has made a real and lasting difference in their community through sport, then visit www.barclayscommunitysportsaward.com.