LONDON (24th March, 2017) – Premier Sports Network is delighted to announce the leading staff from UK sport’s player support network who have been shortlisted for the Outstanding Services to Player Support category at this year’s Behind the Scenes Awards.

The Behind the Scenes Awards acknowledge three individuals who are leading the way in their off-the-pitch support of professional athletes, and in addition to Outstanding Services to Player Support will recognise Outstanding Services to Education and Outstanding Services to Youth Development.

The five-person Outstanding Services to Player Support shortlist comprises Wendy James (Player Liaison Officer and Operations Manager at Bradford City), Clare Marsden (First Team Support Manager at Manchester City), Sue Parris (Education, Welfare and Player Services Manager at Brighton & Hove Albion), JP O'Reilly (Team Manager at Saracens) and Hugo Scheckter (Player and Team Liaison Officer at Southampton).

All five have thrived in their club environments and gone above and beyond in the high-pressured and complex environment sitting between a team’s management and its players, showcasing first-class communication and organisational skills twinned with the highest levels of discretion and honesty. 

An expert panel will now assess the outstanding work of the shortlist over the last 12 months to judge who will be awarded the Outstanding Services to Player Support title for 2017. This will be revealed at the Player Care Manchester event on May 3.

Entries are still open for the remaining categories. Outstanding Services to Education is open to a Head of Education (or equivalent) who has played a major role in keeping professional athletes safe and on the straight-and-narrow, while the Outstanding Services to Youth Development category is for an Academy Director (or equivalent) who has excelled in encouraging, and putting the tools in place, for teenage athletes to reach their potential.

If you know anyone who fits those criteria, nominate now by clicking this link and filling in a short form. Entries can be submitted until March 31.

If you would like more information about the Premier Sports Network, including how to partner with us or get your name on the invite list for any events, please call 0208 419 1100 or e-mail enquiries@premiersportsnetwork.com.