The annual Suffolk Sports Awards will take place at Trinity Park, Ipswich, on Friday. Fourteen awards will be presented and this section looks at the contenders for the EDF Young Volunteer of the Year award. Next Wednesday we’ll bring you the winners from the ceremony.

Alex Poole (Gymnastics)

Alex has been involved in Gymnastics for 13 years and started coaching in a voluntary role in 2010.

Two years ago, he joined the Suffolk Gymnastics’ Leadership Academy as he wanted to explore other roles within the sport.

In 2012, Alex became the Suffolk Leadership Academy captain which involves inspiring 16 other young people to become involved in volunteering and completing their MY Leadership Programme course.

Alex, pictured, doubled the number of members through his active promotion of the programme in his local area.

A member of the East Region Gymnastics Advisory Panel, Alex continuously strives to encourage others into the sport of gymnastics.

James Price (Football)

James is one of Sporting 87 Football Club’s most prolific and hard-working young coaches and attained his FA Level 1 coaching award aged 15.

Being a goalkeeper himself, James has taken the role of junior goalkeeper coach and each week delivers training sessions to over 20 young players.

Being supported by one or two young leaders, James is responsible for each session and the season’s overall programme, and contributes over 400 hours voluntary service each season.

A member of the FA Football Futures programme, James is a qualified referee and a member of the Suffolk FA WAYS league.

Connie Gibbs, Molly Robson, Rosie Hudson, Olivia Chadwick and Charlotte Orriss (Netball)

This quintet volunteered throughout 2013 at Jetts Netball Club and are all taking part in the England Netball ‘Pass on Your Passion’ programme.

During the West Suffolk Netball Summer League they were instrumental in the success of the Jetts’ club teams in the competition, having coached, managed and umpired throughout the season.

They have all now attended a beginner umpiring course and offer support officiating at club training nights and junior matches.