Loughborough College's support of the 2011 Leicester Mercury Sports Awards recognises the increasing influence of women in a wide range of sport.

The college is sponsoring the Young Sportswoman category, the winner of which will be announced at the Tigers ground, in Welford Road, on January 19.

This category has arguably attracted the highest calibre of nominees, with world, commonwealth, European and national champions all put before the judging panel.

They include City of Leicester swimmer Sophie Smith, winner of the 2010 trophy, who has again been nominated.

Principal Jim Mutton said: "If you go back just five years, most of our sports courses would have been dominated by men.

"That has changed round quite significantly. Sponsoring the Young Sportswoman category is an opportunity to recognise that and also to encourage it."

He said Loughborough College had established a reputation for educating and training top-class athletes, as well as providing world-class facilities.

Mr Mutton said the achievements of tae-kwondo world champion Sarah Stevenson, who was made an MBE in the New Year Honours list, had also helped the college decide to support this award.

Sarah, a former Loughborough College student, won her world title in May but also had to come to terms with losing both her parents to cancer in 2011.

It was felt that supporting the Mercury's Young Sportswoman award was a way of honouring her outstanding performance in the face of such adversity.

The coming sporting year is sure to be dominated by the Olympic Games and Mr Mutton was hopeful one event in the lead-up to the event would have a particular spin off.

"I'm looking forward to the Olympic torch relay coming through the area," he said.

"I hope that will encourage more people to think about sport and also get involved in it.

"When the Games were won it was said there would be a legacy for the country.

"I'm not sure that has occurred yet but I just hope that can be brought about."

The Paralympic Games are also on the horizon.

"It would be good to use 2012 to support more paralympic and Special Olympic activity and support young and older people engaged in those sports," Mr Mutton added.