Durham Cricket Foundation held its annual Grassroots Cricket Awards this month celebrating some of the county’s remarkable cricket volunteers for their tremendous efforts in growing and sustaining the game.
The ceremony, hosted at Banks Homes Riverside, welcomed shortlisted nominees and their families for a day of recognition and gratitude, while looking back on a successful season made possible through the efforts of hundreds of volunteers.
Durham Cricket Foundation Chief Executive Graeme Weeks said: “Grassroots cricket wouldn’t exist without the dedication of volunteers. This year’s winners and every nominee are a great example of the passion, generosity and commitment that make our game possible.
“We are proud to celebrate volunteers through our Awards, it’s our small way of saying thank you. It was brilliant to have a full room of people from across the game and I hope they all enjoyed it.”
This year’s categories included a blend of national and local recognition, incorporating the ECB’s Cricket Collective Awards alongside Durham Cricket Foundation’s own awards. In addition, three new Foundation-led categories were introduced to highlight key areas of grassroots growth: Women and Girls Newcomer Award, Junior Section Growth and Community Cricket Champion.
Whickham Cricket Club proudly received the Women & Girls Newcomer Award for their tremendous efforts which quickly established a brand new women’s section with over 30 women as well as creating pathways and entering competitive opportunities for their All Stars through thriving U11 teams.
East Rainton won the Junior Section Growth Award for the outstanding growth of their junior opportunities, with the club fielding three teams in 2025 in the DCB Junior League – the result of four seasons of continuous work, having only established a junior section in 2021.
Malcolm Foster was recognised for a decade of contributions to the Foundation’s Wicketz project in Hartlepool through the Community Cricket Champion Award. Having been involved from the very start of the project, Malcolm has shown incredible dedication for the young people from deprived areas that Wicketz supports.
David Gladstone was named Lifetime Achiever for nearly four decades of tireless service to Langley Park & Bearpark CC, during which he has worn many hats to ensure that cricket remains strong at his club.
In the Unsung Hero Award, Mandy Oswell of Burnopfield CC was recognised for her behind-the-scenes dedication to every aspect of club life, roles that keep her at the heart of the club.
The Metro Bank Champion of Girls’ Cricket Award went to Mairi Kidd of Rockliffe CC for being a transformative force in establishing girls’ teams at the club and providing more opportunities whilst building an inclusive environment.
Dan Claughan from Sacriston CC was awarded Young Volunteer of the Year (13–17) for his support to the club’s U9 and U11 teams, while being a positive and respected role model for all the young players he supports.
Tom Howatson from Shotley Bridge CC received the Young Volunteer of the Year (18–25) award for his support with the club’s All Stars and U11 Programmes during an unbeaten season for the U11 team. Tom’s exemplary volunteering efforts are highlighted in his balance with a busy playing career, which never prevents him from giving back.
In the Male Coach of the Year Award, Sam Barnard of Barnard Castle CC was recognised for his coaching contributions to the U11 group and his over-and-above efforts to the club’s juniors, an example of which was delivering a 16-week winter programme to keep them engaged.
The Female Coach of the Year Award went to Nicola Holliday of Hunwick CC for the sheer volume of coaching and volunteering which contributed to the club’s success in fielding two U9 teams and the U11s proudly boasting league and cup wins.
Sarah Mawson from Greenside CC won the Young Coach of the Year for her drive to promote and develop the game at her club and beyond. She coached the U9 mixed junior team and girls teams to Greenside CC, while organising festivals for clubs from across the county and additionally supporting All Stars and Dynamos sessions at Shotley Bridge CC
Peterlee CC were recognised as National Programmes Club of the Year for their exceptional and proactive approach to creating opportunities. By securing sponsorship to provide 40 bursary All Stars places and 24 bursary places for Dynamos Cricket, the club supported their community.
Neil Robson received the Creating Inclusive & Safe Environments Award, for his unwavering and unmatched dedication to Durham Cricket Foundation’s Visually Impaired Team. He umpires all of the team’s games and has done so for seven years, while helping with many roles beyond his umpire duties, all to ensure the visually impaired sport is supported.
In the Connecting Communities Award, Anne Platt, Chair at Langley Park & Bearpark CC was recognised for her tireless dedication to building and sustaining her club, particularly her work in supporting girls’ cricket and leading through challenging times.
Chris Hurst from Durham City CC won the Inspired to Play Award for his proactive and approachable attitude to coaching and the impact he’s had to players and parents, inspiring many children to get involved in the sport and parents to support sessions.
The Foundation is proud to hold the Grassroots Cricket Awards every year to recognise the vital efforts of volunteers across the game – their work ensures cricket continues to inspire, develop and welcome players of all ages and backgrounds across Durham.