THIS year's Pride of Somerset Youth Awards are being supported by the Bridgwater United Community Sports Trust (BUCST).

Founded by the Rotary Club of Taunton, the awards were created to honour the amazing achievements of young individuals throughout the county, whether it be in the arts, sports, or even overcoming personal challenges. 

Past winners include England cricketer Jos Buttler, British gymnast Laura Gallagher, and wheelchair athlete Jamie Edwards.

For the 2024 event, the BUCST is sponsoring the Community Hero Award. This award will honour those who have been inspirational in their work to go above and beyond to help others. 

This could be in a volunteering setting, such as a care home, or even just those who have helped their friends or family in times of need.

The Trust aims to provide its local community with the opportunity to access quality sport and wellbeing provision.

The organisation's website reads: "Bridgwater United Community Sports Trust (BUCST) is a Community Interest Company (CIC), not for profit entity, ensuring that all revenue received is used for the development of sporting activities for the local Community.

"Bridgwater United Community Sports Trust aims to provide all members of the local community with the opportunity to access quality sport, physical activity, and wellbeing provision whatever their age, gender or ethnicity.

"Whilst using football as the driving force we aim to increase participation in schools, improve health and wellbeing, while developing programmes that engage the whole of the community.

"The Trust’s vision is to provide opportunities for all, through project delivery, meeting the needs of the local Community and delivering a mixture of active sessions along with education and support groups."

 

What else do you need to know?

 

This year, the award ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 16, 6.30pm-9pm at The McMillan Theatre, Bridgwater.

Other award categories include:

  • Art & Culture Award: 
  • Care Award: 
  • Championing Positive Mental Health Award: 
  • Charity / Volunteer Hero: 
  • Environmental Award: 
  • Outstanding Courage Award: 
  • Sandy Padgett Award: 
  • Sporting Achievement Award:  
  • Young Person of the Year Award.

Other sponsors include the Somerset County Gazette, Young Somerset, The Rotary Club of Taunton and Gravity Smart Campus, to name a few.