A LASTING legacy is set to honour the memory of sporting star Sian Ryan just six weeks after the talented footballer lost her life in a car crash on the A14.

A LASTING legacy is set to honour the memory of sporting star Sian Ryan just six weeks after the talented footballer lost her life in a car crash on the A14.

At the Team Ipswich Sports Awards, to be held on September 30, 'The Sian Ryan Young Sports Personality of the Year Award' will be presented to the local youngster, aged 18 or under, who has made great progress over time, achieving a great deal or making a huge difference to a team.

A fitting legacy, her family say, to the outstanding sports woman who tragically lost her life after the Citroen Saxo she was travelling in collided with an Audi A3 Tdi and then hit a signpost on the A14 westbound carriageway, just before the Orwell Bridge, on August 17.

Heartbroken mum Chrissie Ryan said she was stunned when Ipswich Council asked the family's permission to honour their daughter by naming one of the Team Ipswich Sports Awards after her.

The 16-year-old first starting playing football at the age of six and was a naturally gifted sportswoman, excelling as a footballer and tennis player, securing England trials for the girls football team.

Mrs Ryan said: “I was just stunned, really amazed. Sian was a very good sportswoman and a great ambassador for sport with her humour and fun she would make it fun for everyone.

“I suppose it underlines her achievements she made in sport, she was really quiet about her sporting achievements and stuff like that.

“Even when she was invited to an England training camp she just whispered about it, she was very modest.

“She was fantastic at encouraging others, she would never put anyone down. If someone said they couldn't so something she would tell them to go out and have lots of fun doing it, she would never blow her own trumpet.”

She said her “gifted” daughter would have been delighted to have her name put to such an inspiring award, recognising the achievements of her peers.

Greg Cooper, sport and play development manager at the borough, who knew Sian personally, said: “My memories of Sian are that she was a larger than life character who was a delight to be with. I feel that the Sian Ryan Young Sports Personality of the Year Award sounds just right.”

Nominations for this year's awards, sponsored by The Evening Star, close on Friday and people can nominate in 13 different categories at www.teamipswich.gov.uk