2010 Oxfordshire Sports Awards

The U’s manager has made the shortlist for the coach of the year, while his side are in the running for the team of the year after their promotion at Wembley in May.

Run by the Oxfordshire Sports Partnership, with the Oxford Mail as official media partners, a high-class entry sees the county’s top sporting talent compete for the prestigious honours at the awards night, to be held at the Kassam Stadium on Friday, November 26.

The sportsman of the year accolade will be fought out by a racing driver, footballer and rugby player.

Jason Plato, who won the British Touring Car Championship, will go head to head with Chelsea star Josh McEachran and England Under 20 rugby player Sam Jones.

The women’s shortlist is made up by a darts player, triathlete and skier.

Deta Hedman climbed to No 1 in the world, and capped her season with a one-leg victory over darts legend Phil Taylor in Oxford.

Sophie Whitworth represented Great Britain in triathlons around Europe, with Niki Sole completing the top three after becoming the third ranked British downhill ski-ier.

Wilder will be up against golf coach Andy Taylor and rower Rachael Luxton, who led the City of Oxford team to their most successful-ever season.

Oxford United will have City of Oxford rowers and Falcon Rowing against them in team of the year.

Tickets go on sale on Monday, October 25. To book a seat, email info@oxfordshiresport.org.

Hagan Lewisman, Development Manager for Oxford City Council & nomination judge said 'There has been an extremely high standard of applications for the Oxfordshire Sports Awards this year.

'The judges have had a really tough challenge to short list so many deserving individuals, teams and clubs. It is a real achievement for those who have made the short-list'.

• Active Inspiration Award, sponsored by GO Active Janette Cardy – GO Active Instructor Sally McEwan – Nordic Walker Kate Gregory – Trampolining • Club of the Year, sponsored by Oxford City Council Windrush Valley Amateur Boxing Club Abingdon Squash & Racketball Club Horspath Cricket Club • Coach of the Year, sponsored by Gladstone Health & Lifestyle Chris Wilder Andy Taylor Rachel Luxton • Junior Sports Team of the Year, sponsored by BRITA Oxford School of Gymnastics Aston Rowant Cricket Club City of Oxford Junior Women’s Coxed Four • Sports Team of the Year, sponsored by BRITA Falcon Rowing Club City of Oxford Rowing Club Oxford United Football Club • Junior Unsung Hero of the Year, sponsored by Sport Unlimited Ethan Peel (Cricket & Rugby) Ross Calvert (Hockey) Sarah Osland (Swimming) • Unsung Hero of the Year Jaypee Wentzel (Hockey) Sue O’Leary (Swimming) Ann Setch (Boxing) • Junior Sportsperson of the Year, sponsored by Fusion Lifestyle Hollie Roberts (Karate) John Paul (Cycling) Katie Richardson (Ice Dance) • Disabled Sportsperson of the Year, sponsored by Nexus Community Sam Davies (Football) Andrew Gardiner (Disability Target Shooting) Danny Robbins (Wheelchair Tennis) • Sportswoman of the Year, sponsored by Oxfordshire RFU Deta Hedman (Darts) Sophie Whitworth (Triathlon) Niki Sole (Alpine Skiing) • Sportsman of the Year, sponsored by Ability Matters Sam Jones (Rugby) Josh McEachran (Football) Jason Plato (Motor Racing) • The Oxfordshire Sports Awards covers all 5 districts in Oxfordshire and aims to recognise and celebrate the wealth of sporting talent and commitment seen in community sport across the county.

The staging of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics in London provides the single biggest opportunity in all our lifetimes to transform sport and participation in sport within the UK and to create a lasting legacy for sport and communities throughout Oxfordshire. The Oxfordshire Sports Awards showcases sporting achievements in Oxfordshire helping to raise awareness of the value and benefits of sport to individuals and communities, looking to inspire and encourage people to get more active and highlighting the contribution of those who deliver sport at local level, including schools and clubs, volunteers, coaches and development officers. The Oxfordshire Sports Partnership is a network of organisations and individuals who are committed to achieving the shared vision for Oxfordshire: “Everyone more active and achieving their potential in sport”