On Friday 5 June 2026, we hosted our annual Volunteer Awards Ceremony at Stirling High School — a fantastic evening of celebration, recognition and inspiration.
We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to every one of our volunteers. Your time, passion and commitment make a real and lasting difference across our communities, and we are incredibly proud of everything you do.
This year’s ceremony celebrated the outstanding achievements of volunteers from across the Stirling area — individuals who dedicate their time to supporting Active Stirling’s programmes and activities, as well as those who play a vital role in local clubs within the ClubSport Stirling network.
The Volunteer Awards shine a spotlight on the invaluable contribution volunteers make in helping more people get active and stay connected. From coaching and mentoring to supporting walking groups and creating inclusive opportunities, their impact is felt across every part of our community.
The Volunteer Awards are always a highlight of the year, bringing together so many inspirational people in one room. It’s a chance to recognise the commitment, passion and impact our volunteers make every day across Stirling, and to celebrate the positive difference they have in our communities.
The event brought together over 100 guests, including nominees, partners, Active Stirling Board Members, and key stakeholders, all united to celebrate the dedication and achievements of our volunteers.
Dougie Porteous, Head of Sport, Physical Activity and Inclusion, opened the evening with a warm welcome and shared reflections on the importance of volunteering before presenting the awards.
Volunteers are at the heart of sport and physical activity in Stirling. Their dedication helps create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to take part, connect and thrive. The Volunteer Awards give us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible difference they make in our communities.
Guests also enjoyed a series of highlight films throughout the evening, showcasing the impact of programmes across Active Stirling and celebrating the 50-year legacy of ClubSport Stirling.
For 50 years we have been proud to represent, support and recognise the amazing work of voluntary led sports clubs across Stirling. It is therefore an absolute pleasure to see the exceptional breadth of volunteering celebrated through the awards. Huge congratulations and thank you to all the nominees and winners for their incredible contributions to their clubs, communities and schools.
Catch the highlights from this spectacular evening below:
- Active Schools School Young Leader of the Year – George Thomson
- Young Coach of the Year – Peter Owen
- Young Volunteer of the Year – Millie Boo Smith
- Active Schools Parent & Family Volunteer of the Year – Kirsty Jackson
- Active Schools School Staff Volunteer of the Year – Emma Patterson
- Active Schools Impact Award – Aaron Kerr, Matthew Hagan & Luke Halkett
- SportAbility Volunteer of the Year – Lindsay McCann
- SportAbility Club of the Year – Forth Valley Clan Rugby Club
- Walking Group of the Year – Cornton Health Walk
- Walk Leader of the Year – John Munro
- Service to Walk Leading Award – Karen Aberdeen
- Club of the Year – Stirling County Rugby Club
- Service to Sport Award ClubSport Stirling – Derek Young
- Inspire Award – Eva-Jane Malley
- Community Impact Award – Stirling Lawn Tennis & Squash Club
- Coach of the Year – Brodie Harrison
- Volunteer of the Year – Nigel Gilroy
We were also delighted to welcome Lord Provost, Rosemary Fraser, who joined us at the beginning of the evening and delivered a speech recognising the achievements of our volunteers.
It’s important we recognise our dedicated volunteers who are facilitating more active, healthier, and connected communities across Stirling. These inspiring individuals and groups provide the support that opens doors for people of all ages and abilities to take part in a wide range of activities that might otherwise be unattainable to them. It was an honour to be part of this event and to celebrate these special volunteers.
The evening was filled with pride, appreciation and celebration, as the stories behind each award highlighted the powerful role volunteers play in shaping active, inclusive communities.
We would also like to thank everyone who submitted nominations this year — your support helps us recognise those who go above and beyond to make a difference.
Together, we are building a more active and connected Stirling.
