PROUD Swindonian Alun Rossiter has urged Adver readers to get their nominations in for two special gongs at next month’s Swindon Advertiser Sports Awards of the Year.

The Swindon Robins manager, triumphant in three categories last year, believes that the grassroots scene plays a big role in sport in the town and is keen for the hardworking volunteers behind the scenes to get the recognition they deserve.

A two-time winner of the Elite League title, grassroots sport is also close to Rossiter’s heart as he is a former manager of pub football teams Wheatsheaf and the Dolphin, the former of which he experienced success with in the last Adver Cup final to be staged at the County Ground.

And the Blunsdon boss says that the Grassroots Unsung Hero award and Sports Personality of the Year - the latter of which he won in 2012 - are worthy categories in which to be nominated, with figures in grassroots sport eligible for both.

“I must admit that at one point during last year’s ceremony I was quite emotional that we won in so many of the categories we were nominated for,” said Rossiter.

“In our case it was exceptional circumstances because it had been 45 years since we had won the top-flight, so it was quite a big thing when it came along.

“I always say with these sort of things that you don’t have to do them, but it’s nice for people to be recognised.

“I’ve run football teams in Swindon in the past so I know the sort of hard work that goes in. There’s lots of people in all sports that get up on a Saturday morning and throw themselves into it.

“It’s not easy. I remember when I was running football teams you always had to sort out things like the kit, forms and picking the lads up.

“The reason I ended up packing it in was because it took up so much time so I have a lot of respect for the people who do it.

“The amount of work that goes on behind the scenes in sport in Swindon is absolutely fantastic and I would definitely encourage people to nominate the sporting figures that they know for this award.

“As you can imagine, there’s a lot of people in grassroots sport who put in a lot of time and effort into it and they deserve to be recognised.

“When you do get recognised, it’s a nice thing to happen and you wouldn’t believe how far that would go.”

Adver sports editor Steve Butt seconded Rossiter’s comments and stated that he felt that both the Grassroots Unsung Hero award and Sports Personality of the Year would be hotly-contested.

“These awards give us an opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous achievements of many of our sportsmen and women from across the region,” said Butt.

“From the young footballers playing in the North Wilts Youth League to our top equestrian talent, Great British skater hockey internationals and golf’s up and coming superstars, this presentation evening brings together the very best Swindon and the surrounding area has to offer.

“It’s a highlight of the Adver sportsdesk calendar but we need the help of our readers to make it all tick.

“We’re after nominations for your Unsung Hero of the Year and your Sports Personality of the Year.

“The Unsung Hero should be someone who has made a major difference to a sports club, on or off the pitch. Whether they are a groundsman, a tea lady, an exceptional coach, a dedicated parent or a long-serving player, we want to hear about them.

“The Sports Personality is for the man or woman who has made a big impact on Swindon sport in 2013, at whatever level it may be. There are plenty of contenders, I’m sure, but we want to hear from you, who you want to be considered for this highest accolade.”