The Fantasy Sports Writers Association has picked up strong support in its effort to deliver the industry’s official player of the year awards.

“It is our belief that fantasy writers can act in the same capacity as other writing groups, such as the Associated Press or Pro Football Writers of America, in selecting the awards relevant to fantasy play,” FSWA president and chairman Mike Beacom said in a statement.

Gaining the backing of fantasy content providers “will put an official stamp” on a selection process that is already in place, according to Beacom. So far, major-media companies CBS, NFL.com, Sporting News, NBC/Rotoworld, Pro Football Weekly and Athlon have climbed aboard.

In addition, the FSWA has the support of prominent fantasy outlets such as Fanball, Fantasy Planet, Footballguys.com, The Huddle and RotoWire.

The “official stamp” would extend to players of the year in various fantasy sports, as well as other awards for things such as the top rookies. Beacom says the FSWA isn’t limiting the scope of the practice. DeAngelo Williams won the fantasy football player of the year award after the 2008 season.

Ultimately, the FSWA would like to apply a sponsor’s name to the awards and use the revenue to set up a scholarship fund for college-aged fantasy writers.

Other coverage: Fantasy Game, Real Awards

(Note: Beacom is also the publisher for World Fantasy Games, which owns and operates this site.)