AMY Stevens has won nearly 50 awards, accolades, trophies and honours in her young but highly successful netball career.

But only one takes pride of place on the living room cabinet – her Grass Roots Heroes young sports personality of the year award.

Amy, now 17, has been picking up prizes ever since she took to the court as a youngsters. The awards soon followed – all of which she has kept in her bedroom.

Out of sight but certainly not forgotten.

But the accolade she picked up at the inaugural Lancashire Telegraph and United Utilities Grass Roots Heroes Awards is there for all to see.

“Nearly everyone who comes to the house comments about it,” said Amy, who has captained England U17s and has been a member of the national U19s squad. “I have a lot of awards but this is the only one I keep downstairs.

“All of my other awards are up in my bedroom but I keep the Grass Roots award downstairs on the cabinet.

“I thought the Grass Roots Heroes awards were great and it was a big honour for me to win. I said at the time that anyone could have won because there was a lot of talent on show.

“So for me to win was very special. I think that is why I keep it on show.”

Amy has gone from strength to strength since winning the award and has gone on to break in to the Yorkshire Jets (formerly Leeds Carnegie) Super League team.

She also captained the Yorkshire Jets U19s team to an unexpected third place in the league.

Amy has put her England ambitions on hold while she studies for her A levels at St Wilfrid’s – but netball is still a big part of her future.

“Breaking in to the Super League was brilliant,” added Amy who led an England U17s team to glory in a European tournament in Ireland last year.

“I got some very good feedback and a nice write-up on the website, which was excellent.

“I’m going to put England on hold for now so I can concentrate on my studies but I would love to play netball at the highest level possible.”

Mum Gail urged everyone to nominate their sporting heroes for this year’s awards or miss out – just like she nearly did.

“I think there are a lot of people who leave nominations to others, that’s what we nearly did with Amy.

“Of course we know how good she is but didn’t realise relatives could nominate so we were waiting for her coach to put her name forward.

“We are all really proud of Amy and delighted she won the award. The awards were a great occasion to celebrate local sport.

“So if anyone thinks they know someone who deserved an award, then they should nominate and not wait for others to do so.

“Afterall, it’s better to have too many nominations than none at all and miss out!”