Volunteers from across cricket community recognised at 2026 Cricket Collective Awards
Volunteers from across cricket community recognised at 2026 Cricket Collective Awards
Sophia Gardens hosted the 2026 Cricket Collective Awards on Wednesday 9 September, honouring and celebrating the people who make cricket happen in communities across Wales.
The Awards recognise those whose contribution is often seen in the smooth running of a training night, the quality of a pitch, the welcome given to a new player, the patience shown to a young cricketer, or the countless unseen hours that keep clubs and leagues thriving; the volunteers, coaches, officials, grounds teams, schools, clubs and champions who give their time, energy and heart to the game.
Sponsored by Cricket Wales partner UES, the 2026 Cricket Collective Awards kicked off with an opening address from Cricket Wales CEO Barry Cawte, before delving into the award presentations.
The Newcomer of the Year Award went to Ebbw Vale CC’s Melissa Duffy who has made an immediate and lasting impact at the club, bringing enthusiasm, precision and humour to the ladies softball team as well as the work she has carried out as a valued committee member, organiser, fundraiser and driving force behind club life.
The Young Cricket Collective Champion Award celebrates a volunteer aged between 14 and 25 who has brought fresh energy and ideas to the cricket season, and this year was received by Croesyceiliog CC’s Eve Griffiths. Eve has done brilliantly to show amazing leadership in the U12 Girls team, delivering positive coaching, creativity and encouragement to help young players grow in confidence.
Bangor CC’s Chris Dawson was next be recognised, with the Raising the Game Award. Chris has transformed opportunities for women’s cricket at his club, creating both the Bangor Bluebirds and Bangor Bluebells to build confidence, friendship and community, and welcoming players of all ages, abilities and backgrounds with an inclusive approach.
Unsung Heroes across the cricket community in Wales are invaluable to creating the thriving environments that enable participants’ continued and growing love for the sport.
An Unsung Hero from each of three regions (South East Wales, South West Wales and North and Mid Wales) were recognised with awards on the day, although a whole host were celebrated in such a hotly contested category.
One particular nominee, Evan Jones, was highlighted at the Awards; while he didn’t win an award for his contributions, his work in supporting Newport Fugitives’ social media and team photography, as well as recently volunteering to be a young member of the Cricket Wales Safeguarding Group, makes him a true role model in the community.
The three winners were subsequently recognised for the extraordinary time, care and commitment given behind the scenes at their respective clubs.
Buckley CC’s John Price won the Unsung Hero Award for North and Mid Wales; Richard Samuel from Felinfoel CC won the Unsung Hero Award for South West Wales; and Karen Woodsford won the Unsung Hero Award for South East Wales for her work at Rogerstone Welfare CC.
The room then celebrated Bethan Evans, who was recognised with the Metro Bank Champion of Girls’ Cricket Award for her amazing work as the driving force behind girls’ and women’s cricket at Denbigh CC, creating a clear pathway from All Stars and Dynamos through to junior and senior cricket, giving girls more opportunities to play, develop and belong.
We are all aware of the threat that our sport faces as a result of climate change, which is why it is so important to celebrate and share best practise of work being carried out to address this issue in clubs across Wales.
This year, Malpas CC was awarded the Sustainability Innovator Award, having shown leadership in sustainability through its rainwater harvesting and smart irrigation project. By conserving water, reducing environmental impact and educating the wider community, the club is helping cricket respond positively to climate challenges.
The Official of the Year Award was received by Byron Jones of Panteg, having given many years of service as a scorer, mentor and trusted presence at his club. Byron’s contribution extends across club cricket, women’s cricket and the wider game, always offering knowledge, support and good humour.
Grounds management teams are key to the sport, going the extra mile to ensure players have quality, safe and sustainable facilities to play at. This year, David Kennedy, Wayne Smith, Mike Williams, George Groves, and Terry Littler from Northop Hall CC were celebrated with the Grounds Management Team of the Year Award for the club’s exceptional standard of playing facilities through their extraordinary voluntary effort. Preparing pitches for a huge fixture list, community events and representative matches, the team has shown craftsmanship, resilience and devotion to their club.
The League Legend Award went to Angharad Spooner of the South East Wales Cricket League, of which she plays a vital role in the smooth running; from registrations and results to governance and support for clubs, her voluntary contribution is detailed, reliable and central to league cricket across the region.
The Coach of the Year Award recognises someone who inspires, develops and creates safe, inclusive and enjoyable environments to play cricket. This year, Pembroke CC’s Gareth Mitchell earned the award, having made a significant impact on junior cricket at the club, particularly through his leadership of the U11s.
A key part of our community are the schools helping young people discover and enjoy cricket. Cricket Wales’ Participation Officers do an amazing job working with schools across Wales to give them an introduction to the game and link youngsters with their local clubs.
At the Cricket Collective Awards, we celebrate those that do fantastic work in encouraging young people to enjoy the sport.
This year, the Primary School of the Year Award was received by Stepaside Primary, a school that has embraced cricket as part of its wider sporting provision, creating positive opportunities for pupils to build skills, confidence and teamwork. The school and its staff give every pupil the opportunity to enjoy cricket and create positive sporting memories that they can take with them beyond their time at primary school.
They actively encourage the children to access All Stars Cricket and junior cricket clubs within their local communities, helping to develop a pathway for those who wish to continue playing outside of school.
Similarly, the winner of the Secondary School of the Year Award does brilliant work in helping to create a lasting pathway for more young people to continue playing cricket, particularly girls. Croesyceiliog Comprehensive has shown outstanding commitment to girls’ cricket, developing its first girls’ team into Welsh Schools Champions and inspiring pupils to continue playing the game in later years.
The final two awards of the day epitomised the true commitment and passion to the game that was on full show throughout.
Recognising an individual whose long-term service has shaped their community and left a lasting legacy, the Lifetime Achiever Award went to Neil Hobbs of the South Wales Cricket Association, with Brecon CC’s Brian Skinner also highly commended.
Neil has dedicated a lifetime to cricket as a club volunteer, umpire, administrator, board member and league chair. His long-standing service to the South Wales Cricket Association and the wider game reflects decades of commitment and leadership.
Finally, the Lifetime to Coaching Award was handed out to Steph Hughes of Llantwit Fardre CC.
Having given his time across almost every part of cricket life, Steph has dedicated a lifetime to coaching, nurturing and mentoring players and fellow coaches.
Coaching juniors, leading teams, umpiring, facilitating matches and continuing to play the sport, his week-after-week commitment is a powerful example of service, generosity and love for the game.
A fitting way to round off the 2026 Cricket Collective Awards, the final presentations brought together a theme of commitment, selflessness, dedication and true passion that had been present throughout as the Welsh cricketing community came together to celebrate the volunteers that make the game.
Cricket Wales would like to thank event sponsors UES, everyone who attended on the day, everyone who submitted a nomination, and most importantly every nominee whose commitment continues to strengthen cricket across Wales.
And, of course, congratulations to all the people and clubs who received awards!
