Warwickshire Cricket Board Grassroots Awards 2021

The winners of the WCB Grassroots Awards gathered at Edgbaston Stadium on 23rd September to receive their awards recognising their services to cricket as volunteers in the game.

Together, they represent cricket clubs from many parts of the county ranging from rural to inner city locations, from Leamington, to Corley and on to Handsworth.

Some of the recipients are 15-years-old, others have been involved in cricket for over 30 years. The awards also include several women, represent the LGBTQ+ community, and provide recognition for running the ACE programme (growing the game in Birmingham’s black community).

“We are recognising an incredibly talented, dedicated and passionate group of volunteers,” says Ed McCabe, WCB General Manager. “All these volunteers have made a huge difference to their cricket clubs, leagues and the people around them. It is important we recognise their contribution to the recreational game, making cricket across Warwickshire stronger and more inclusive as a result of their work.

“I am also delighted that this year’s awards reflect some of the diversity of our region. We have nominees and winners from almost every corner geographically and across the huge spectrum of cricket in Warwickshire. It is a great testament to the work we have all done, and must continue to do, to make cricket an important part of our richly diverse community here in the West Midlands. Looking at the list of winners, today’s awards are a powerful demonstration that cricket is a sport for everyone.”

The WCB Grassroots Award winners for 2021

• Clare Davison, Leamington CC – Unsung Hero Award
  • As Club Safeguarding Officer and administrator in the LCC junior section, Clare’s administration of the Safe Hands Management System has been flawless.
• Earlswood CC Junior Section – Inspired to Play Award
  • Earlswood CC has developed a thriving junior section, particularly through the use of home grown youth volunteers as coaches.
• Handsworth CC – Connecting Communities Award
  • Handsworth CC has successfully hosted 45 new young cricketers as part of the ACE project, in addition to a number of other community based and charity events.
• Lachlan Smith, Birmingham Unicorns CC – Cricket Innovator Award
  • Over the past year, Lachlan has founded Birmingham’s first inclusive LGBTQ+ cricket team, only the second such team nationally.
• Laura Bawden, Leamington CC – Game Changer Award
  • Laura has had a huge impact at Leamington CC through coaching, playing, scoring and organising in all sections of the club, and particularly as a great role model for women and girls.
• James Parker and Tyler Lynch, Corley CC – Rising Star Award
  • Fifteen year old James and Tyler have worked with great dedication as junior groundsmen at Corley CC, working at the club most days during the summer holidays and after school.
• Graham Seal & Warwickshire County Cricket League – Growing the Game Award
  • Lead administrator, Graham, has worked tirelessly to keep games on whilst ensuring Covid compliance and safety are paramount.
• Paul Gennoe, Solihull Municipal CC – Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Paul has worked for over 20 years in numerous roles at SMCC to develop facilities and increase membership.