Could your club be this year’s Tähtiseura of the Year for children and young people or adults? Applications for the Tähtiseura of the Year Awards are open again!
This year, the Finnish Olympic Committee will once again recognise outstanding Tähtiseura clubs in two categories: children and young people, and adults. The award for the children and young people’s category is donated by Gasum, a corporate partner of the Finnish Olympic Committee. Clubs can apply for the awards until 15 October 2026.
Tähtiseura of the Year Award for children and young people
The Tähtiseura of the Year Award for children and young people’s category is presented to a club that offers high-quality, child- and youth-centred club activities. In 2026, the evaluation of applications will place particular emphasis on high-quality coaching in club activities for children and young people. The Tähtiseura of the Year in the children and young people’s category will receive a national grand prize of 5,000 euros. In addition, 14 regional incentive grants worth 1,000 euros each will be awarded. The awards are made possible by Gasum.
– High-quality coaching gives children the opportunity to learn, develop, and become enthusiastic about sport. Through this award, we want to encourage clubs to improve their coaching, share best practices, and boldly apply for the Children and Young people Tähtiseura of the Year award, says Olga Väisänen, Director of Communications and Sustainability at Gasum.
All children’s and youth sports clubs that have received the Star Label or are participating in the Tähtiseura quality programme, andare due to be audited as a Tähtiseura club soon are eligible to apply for the awards. The award recipients will be announced at the end of the year.
Tähtiseura of the Year Award for adults
The Tähtiseura of the Year Award for adults category is presented to a club that offers high-quality and inspiring opportunities for physical activity and participation to adults. In 2026, the evaluation of applications will place particular emphasis on making it easy for adults to participate. The Tähtiseura of the Year in the adults category will receive a prize worth 3,000 euros. The prize is made possible by the Finnish Olympic Committee.
All clubs that have received the Adult Star Label are eligible to apply for the award. The award recipient will be announced at the end of the year.
Complete the application form and apply for the award by 15 October 2026.
Award criteria and application links
Focus: High-quality coaching for children and young people
- How does the club ensure appropriate coaching and support the development of instructors’ and coaches’ competence and their induction?
- How do the coaches at your club collaborate with one another? Or how do you facilitate learning from peers or more experienced coaches?
- How is the quality of coaching monitored and improved (e.g., feedback, self-assessment, discussions, etc.)? Provide specific examples.
sports clubs for children and young people that have received the Star Label or are participating in the Tähtiseura quality programme are eligible to apply for the Tähtiseura Award for children and young people.
Apply for the Tähtiseura Award for children and young people.
Focus: Making it easy to participate
- How does the club make it easy for adults to join? Give specific examples.
- What kinds of flexible and diverse opportunities for participation does the club offer? Describe them using specific examples.
- What kind of environment does your club provide for adult participants? Use specific examples to describe, for instance, the atmosphere, sense of community, accessibility, and how adults feel they are included in the club’s activities.
All clubs that have received the Star Label for adult activities are eligible to apply for the Tähtiseura of the Year Award for adults.