For the third year, the Grassroots Cricket Collective Awards return to recognise the incredible volunteers who go above and beyond to make cricket accessible to all.
Last year’s awards highlighted some of the most inspiring individuals and clubs across Warwickshire and Birmingham, whose efforts have made a lasting impact on their communities. Among them was John Beart, founder of Alderman Smith’s No Balls Cricket, who received the Connecting Communities award for establishing a fully inclusive cricket club. With over 45 active members, the club has become a welcoming space for LGBTQ+, BAME, veteran, and older adult players, showcasing how cricket can unite communities.
The Growing the Game award was presented to Mick Beale and Graham Seal of the Nuneaton Thursday League, who spearheaded the launch of a new women’s league in 2023. Supported by £6,000 in funding, the initiative brought seven teams into the league, including four entirely new to women’s cricket, representing a major stride in increasing participation and opportunity at the grassroots level.
A description of the award categories and how you can nominate someone this year is provided below.
Coach of the Year
A coach who goes the extra mile and is a true coaching hero to their club, league, county or school.
Connecting Communities
A club or community organisation which has gone above and beyond to #raisethegame and support communities and/or groups.
Inspired to Play
An individual or group within your club or community organisation going above and beyond to #raisethegame and open the game up to new audiences.
The Metro Bank Champion of Girls’ Cricket
A volunteer, coach or and/or groups role model who has championed growing girls’ cricket at their club.
Cricket Innovators
Someone who has brought new ideas and/or implemented new systems to improve your club or community group.
Growing the Game
A league volunteer, committee member, or administrator going above and beyond to support clubs and help increase the number of games played.
Lifetime Achiever
That one individual who has given many years of service to your club or community group and who you could not do without.
Rising Star
A young volunteer making a difference in the game (for 11-16-year-olds).
Game Changer
A young volunteer making a difference in the game (for 17-25-year-olds).
Volunteer Grounds Team of the Year
An opportunity to reward and recognise those volunteers who are working hard and improving the places where the game is played.
Safe Hands
An individual that has gone above and beyond to create a positive and inclusive environment for young people to enjoy the game.
Tackling Climate Change
A club or community organisation that is addressing the threat climate change poses to cricket, by making sustainable changes to operations, adapting their facilities and/or engaging and educating their local community
Young Coach of the Year
A young person who is already passing on their enthusiasm for the game and inspiring the next generation of players (16-25-year-olds).
Unsung Hero
Those heroes who impact our game from behind-the-scenes and help us make cricket happen.
Outstanding Contribution – Services to Coaching
This person is the life and soul at your club, in your league, your county or at your school, coaching and making a difference to players.
If you would like to nominate a volunteer for one of these awards, please complete the nomination form by clicking here.
Nominations close on Sunday 31st August and the awards will take place on Friday 24th October.