A YORK teenager who will represent Great Britain at this summer’s Roller Hockey World Championships could be York’s next Sporting Hero after being nominated in our 2010 Community Pride Awards.

Natalie Brolly, of Acomb, is so dedicated to her chosen sport she spends all her birthday and Christmas money on buying the expensive equipment she needs to compete.

The 19-year-old, who first took up roller hockey at the age of 13, is the only woman who plays for the York Flyers, previously known as the York Whitehawks.

Natalie was also part of the North East Viking ladies team that won the British Super League title for two consecutive years in 2005 and 2006.

She has now been selected to represent Great Britain and will fly to Los Angeles in July to take part in the Roller Hockey World Championships.

Natalie’s proud mum, Adele, said: “She is devoted to the sport and has barely missed a training session.

“She has also funded her sport herself, firstly with a paper round, then a Saturday job, and she has also sacrificed Christmas and birthday presents, asking for money so that she could buy the expensive protective clothing and skates necessary for the sport.”

Natalie is the first contender in the Sporting Hero category, which aims to recognise anybody who has made an outstanding contribution to amateur sport in a playing or non-playing capacity.

It is one of 13 categories in this year’s Community Pride awards, which were launched earlier this month by The Press in conjunction with City of York Council and Benenden Healthcare Society. We are relying on you, our readers, to nominate the ordinary people whose extraordinary efforts have made their communities a better place to live.

There are categories to honour everybody living in the City of York Council tax area who has quietly gone that little bit further to make a difference.

The deadline for entries is Friday, July 23, after which a panel of judges, including representatives from The Press and City of York Council, will decide on a shortlist from your nominations.

Finalists from each category will then be invited to a ceremony at York Racecourse in October. If you are a local business, there are still categories available to sponsor.

For details, phone Alyson Liversedge on 01904 567250, or email alyson.liversedge@ycp.co.uk