FOOTBALLERS, rugby players and cyclists are going head to head in the race to be crowned Team of the Year at the Glasgow Sports Person of the Year awards.

Glasgow City FC, Glasgow Warriors and the Glasgow Cycle Team are all in the running for the team award at the event on February 19.

A total of 12 awards are up for grabs at the annual ceremony in Glasgow City Chambers, which will celebrate one of the most memorable years in Glasgow’s sporting history as well as the commitment and achievements of those who deliver sport at a grassroots level.

Glasgow City FC manager Laura Montgomery said they were 'delighted' to be shortlisted.

She said: "It is fantastic to be recognised by our home city, whose name we carry very proudly on our badge at home and across Europe.

"Every year, it gets harder and harder to stay at the top and every year we build again as we lose players from Scotland to the professional game elsewhere. It is a testament to our coaching staff and highly committed team of volunteers that they continue to push boundaries on and off the pitch and ensure we have the best platform possible to develop our players into the most talented athletes they can be.”

The club won their ninth consecutive Scottish Women’s Premier League title last year, and fourth domestic treble in a row with wins in the Scottish Cup and League Cup.

They also reached the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League where they lost out to French professional side Paris St Germain.

The club also offers opportunities for girls to get into football, with squads for under 10s, under 12s, under 14s, under 15s and under 17s.

Glasgow Warriors also celebrated a successful year last year and became the first Scottish rugby club to win the GUINNESS PRO12 league championship after a 31-13 victory over Munster in Belfast.

As well as their historic win, the Glasgow Warriors also operate an extensive Community Programme and have established fantastic links with several local rugby clubs and schools across the city.

Chief executive Nathan Bombrys said: “We are honoured to be nominated for this award. As a club we are driven to make a positive contribution to Glasgow and through our work on and off the field we aim to make the city proud, whether that is here in Glasgow or away at our various opponents across Europe.

“The move to Scotstoun Stadium has played a big part in helping us grow our club and win our first title, and we really appreciate all the support from Glasgow Life, Scottish Rugby and Glasgow City Council.

"Lifting the GUINNESS PRO12 trophy last May was the culmination of a lot of hard work from our players, coaches and supporters. We were delighted to be able to do it for Glasgow and occasions like the celebrations in George Square last May remind us all just how grateful and proud we are to play our part for this great city."

The city cycle team, which was established in 2012, has gone on to become one of the country’s premier cycling clubs.

Their members landed several medals at junior and senior national championships level, including a double gold for Angus Claxton in the Pursuit event and gold for Lewis Mulholland in the junior Points Race. Ruriadh Brown also won two silver medals in the Special Olympics Summer Games.

Club secretary, David Whitehall, said they were thrilled to be shortlisted.

He added: "Our volunteer coaches and officials have worked hard to secure sponsorship and nurture an Under 23 club for local talent, while proudly showcasing Glasgow on the national and international stage. Over this time our riders have improved leaps and bounds to achieve their full potential.

“The club hit the big time in 2015, with Ruairidh Brown, riding for the GB cycling team, winning 2 silver medals in the road events at the Special Olympics Summer Games. Also the team won medals of all colours in both the Scottish Junior and Senior Track Championships. The icing on the cake was that two of our riders won British Junior bronze medals in the 2015 British Junior Track Championships.”

Amongst the other categories in the Glasgow Sports Person of the Year Awards are Coach of the Year, Services to Sport Lifetime Achievement Award, Student Athlete of the Year and Young Sports Person of the Year.

The final shortlists for nine of the categories have now been confirmed with the winners of the Sports Person of the Year, Services to Sport Lifetime Achievement Award and the Lord Provost’s Special Award to be revealed on the evening.