The Foundation is calling on clubs across the region to nominate the volunteers who make grassroots cricket possible, with nominations now officially open for the 2026 Grassroots Cricket Awards.
The annual awards celebrate individuals who dedicate their time, passion and energy to helping cricket thrive in communities across Durham and the wider recreational game. From coaches and junior organisers to scorers, safeguarding leads, committee members and community champions, the awards shine a spotlight on the volunteers working behind the scenes to grow the game.
The 2026 Grassroots Cricket Awards presentation evening will take place on Friday 7 August. Nominations close on June 21, giving you the chance to recognise the individuals making a lasting impact across recreational cricket.
Graeme Weeks, Durham Cricket Foundation Chief Executive said: “Grassroots cricket depends on volunteers who give up countless hours to support players, clubs and communities. These awards are an opportunity to recognise the people who often work quietly in the background but make a huge difference to the game across our region.
“We encourage clubs to take the time to nominate those individuals who inspire others, create opportunities and help cricket remain welcoming, inclusive and sustainable for future generations.”
The awards follow another successful year for the Foundation’s volunteer recognition programme, which celebrates individuals and clubs making a significant contribution to grassroots cricket across the county.
Award decisions will be made by an independent panel based on the quality and impact of each testimonial, rather than the number of nominations received. To qualify, nominees must be volunteers and not individuals carrying out paid roles within clubs. Volunteers who have won awards will not be considered in the same category again.
This year, the Foundation is introducing a Young Committee Member award, shining a spotlight on young voices in leadership positions who are driving the game forward. The award will recognise people aged 25 or under who are making an impact through their leadership and contribution within a club committee, youth committee or subcommittee.
As previously, this year’s categories include a blend of national and local recognition, incorporating the ECB’s Cricket Collective Awards alongside unique Durham Cricket Foundation awards.
Categories
- Young Committee Member – a young person up to the age of 25 who is making a positive impact through a leadership role on a club committee, youth committee or subcommittee.
- Community Cricket Champion – celebrating volunteers delivering cricket in non-league or informal settings
- Women & Girls Newcomer Award – for clubs that have launched a new women’s or girls’ section
- Junior Section Growth Award – recognising significant expansion in mixed junior cricket, such as new team entries in the DCB Junior League
- Inspired to play – an individual or group within your club or community organisation going above and beyond to open the game up to new audiences.
- Young Female Volunteer – a young female volunteer making a difference – Ages 11-17
- Young Male Volunteer – young male volunteer making a difference – Ages 11-17
- Unsung hero – those heroes who impact our game and help make cricket happen. This could be ground staff, coaches, officials, umpires, or other volunteers.
- Lifetime Achiever – that one individual who has given many years of service to your club or community group you could not do without
- Creating Inclusive and Safe Environments – An individual that has gone above and beyond to create a positive environment for young people to enjoy the game
- Metro Bank Champion of Girls’ Cricket – a volunteer, coach or role model who has championed growing girls’ cricket at their club.
- National Programme Club of the Year – a club that has demonstrated commitment to growing and professionally delivering All Stars Cricket and/or Dynamos Cricket in 2025
- Male Coach of the Year – a male coach who goes the extra mile and is a true coaching hero to their club, league, county or school.
- Female Coach of the Year – a female coach who goes the extra mile and is a true coaching hero to their club, league, county or school.
- Young Coach of the Year – a young coach, aged 18-25, who is already making a difference and is passing on their enthusiasm for the game and inspiring the next generation of players.
- Connecting Communities – a club or community organisation which has gone above and beyond the call of cricket to support communities/groups.