Jarrod Smith is one proud dad who has ensured the region's youngest hockey charges have the opportunity to shine. And because of his efforts, Jarrod has earned himself a nomination in the 2014 Philips Community Sports Dad of the Year awards.

The Sports Dad awards aim to honour dads who coach their local soccer team, help their sports club secure funding or support, or is a champion in his own right playing competitive sport on the weekend. The awards reward the contributions and positive impact that Australian dads make to their community both on and off the field. Jarrod has been instrumental in the development and commencement of junior hockey in Port Macquarie. Over the past five years, he has taken junior hockey from its foundation to more than 330 players and played a major role in developing modified hockey for junior players to hone their skills. In that time the association has proudly produced four state junior representatives players.

Jarrod coaches both his childrens' U9s and U11s teams and as president of the association, has helped raise hockey to a thriving and profitable sport in the Hastings.

"I'm pretty flattered," Jarrod said of his nomination. "And a little overwhelmed - it is certainly not something I was expecting.

"I do what I do for the good of the sport and my kids.

"We've got a huge amount of parents who help week in and week out to make the sport function. It doesn't happen without them."

Jarrod is also a force on the field playing with the NSW Over 35s Masters at this year's state championships where the Manning Valley team was named premiers of B division.

Nominations for the Philips Community Sports Dad of the Year awards close on August 24. To nominate a dad, go to www.sportsdads.com.au/community. The winners will be announced in time for Father's Day on September 7.