COMMUNITY sport will be celebrated for talented individuals who help spread the message about the positive impact of physical activity.

The West Midlands Community Sports Awards celebrates local people who help others engage in sport and physical activity.

Those shortlisted for their talent are from across the region, and taking part in a variety of sports and activities from power chair football to swimming.

Worcester Mixed Ability Rugby Club has been highlighted for its innovative approach to rugby. Regardless of their background, players are empowered to improve their ability, physically, socially and mentally.

The club has brought a new approach to rugby and has welcomed over 50 new players to the club this year. The team was ranked best English side at the 2017 Mixed Ability World Cup, and was placed 5th overall.

Previous Worcestershire award winner, Matt Richards, 15, was also named in the Aspiring Talent shortlist. The swimmer from Worcester was crowned British Champion in seven events, more than any other male swimmer his age.

Balancing full time employment, family life and commitment with physical activity is never easy, however a project, called the Worcester Taxi Super League, has made a change.

The project was founded as a means of getting taxi drivers to participate in physical activity. There are now more than 100 players participating from the ages of 14 to 55.

Lewis Higgs, aged 19, Worcester, has been shortlisted in the Power of Sport award category. Despite leaving school with few qualifications and engaging in low level anti-social behaviour, Lewis was able to find support within his local youth centre.

He later began helping with football sessions as a young leader. He soon became a volunteer and progressed to paid summer-time work.

The event has been organised by the six County Sports Partnerships across the West Midlands – Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Sport Birmingham, Sport across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent, Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire Sport, Black Country BeActive Partnership and Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin – in partnership with University of Birmingham Sport and BBC Midlands.

The awards will take place on Thursday, December 6 at the University of Birmingham.