Five young people from North Ayrshire have been named as finalists in the Scottish Sports Future Awards.

Zara Kirkwood, Mollie McAvoy, Spencer Hughes, Sophie Glen and Evie Pettigrew have been nominated for their hard work and dedication in sport.

Zara is a finalist in the coach/youth worker of the year category, while Millie is up for the Spirit of the Year award.

Spencer is a contender for the positive destination award, while Sophie is nominated for the unsung hero award and Evie is up for the Ian Reid outstanding achievement award.

The awards, in partnership with sportscotland, will take place this Thursday, February 22, celebrating young people, coaches, and organisations from across Scotland who have helped young people change lives through sport.

Evie initially came on board with SSF through their SSF Shell Twilight programme in 2022.

She later participated in the SSF Young Leaders programme which really kick-started her personal development journey and led to her nomination.

More than 60 nominations were submitted across the different categories and the finalists were selected in recognition of their work in SSF programmes and projects, which are all designed to give children across communities in Scotland a safe environment to enjoy sport for free.

SSF is a charity specialising in delivering community-based youth work and physical activity programmes for children and young people across Scotland. They adopt a person-centred approach which allows them to connect with young people, build relationships and human connection with love, care, and empathy.

Forbes Dunlop, chief executive of sportscotland, said: “Our continuing partnership with Scottish Sports Futures is so important to the work that we do as the national agency, and we are excited to be celebrating all the amazing people who are working incredibly hard to support life changing projects across Scotland.

“Every single nominee at this year’s annual awards is an inspiration to us all and fully deserved to be recognised for their passion and dedication.”

Dougie Millen, chief executive of Scottish Sports Futures, said: “Our awards are a celebration of exceptional young people, who have made incredible personal journeys supported through sport.

"Through hard work and determination, they have gone on to be champions for good in their communities and amazing role models. I am incredibly proud of every nominee, finalist, and winner for what they have achieved.”

Best of luck to all the North Ayrshire finalists on the big day.