Durham Cricket Foundation has celebrated the people who make grassroots cricket happen at its annual Grassroots Cricket Awards, recognising the volunteers, organisations and clubs whose dedication continues to help the game grow across the region.
This year, the Foundation introduced two new awards highlighting the role of schools in growing cricket, following a year in which the charity delivered free programmes in 242 schools across the region.
Richard Avenue Primary School was named the first School Programme of the Year, while Chopwell Primary School received the inaugural SEND School Programme of the Year Award.
Across 18 categories, the event recognised the breadth of support behind the Foundation’s work, from volunteers growing women’s and girls’ cricket and developing junior players to those creating more inclusive environments and introducing the game to new communities.
Hosted at Banks Homes Riverside during Durham’s fixture against Middlesex, the awards brought together winners, guests and partners of the Foundation for a three-course meal and presentation.
Among this year’s winners were Al Madina Mosque, recognised in the Connecting Communities category for its work in growing the Foundation’s Street Cricket Hub, which has grown from 34 participants to more than 80 young members in just eight months.
Rachel Parsons of Bishop Auckland Cricket Club was recognised in the Inspired to Play category for her commitment to leading the club’s Women’s First XI and creating a welcoming environment for women and girls of all ages and experience levels.
The Lifetime Achiever Award went to Keith Symington of Norton Cricket Club, recognising his longstanding contribution to coaching and his lasting impact on cricketers across the North East.
Claire Harrison of Blackhall Cricket Club received the Creating Inclusive and Safe Environments Award for her contribution to building an inclusive women’s cricket environment, while Lauren Renwick of Castle Eden Cricket Club was named Metro Bank Champion of Girls Cricket for her commitment to developing girls’ and women’s cricket.
Leadgate Cricket Club was named National Programmes Club of the Year after successfully introducing more than 50 new participants to cricket and using sponsorship funding to remove financial barriers to participation.
The awards also celebrated the next generation of grassroots leaders. Ryan Daughtery of Langley Park & Bearpark Cricket Club was named Young Committee Member of the Year, while Alan Welburn of Murton Cricket Club received Male Coach of the Year.
Jill Miller of South Shields Cricket Club was recognised as Female Coach of the Year, with Ethan Guy of Hunwick Cricket Club named Young Coach of the Year following his growing contribution to junior coaching, umpiring and player development.
The Community Cricket Champion Award was presented to Sue Fleury of Durham Cricket Foundation, recognising her years of volunteering across Foundation activity, including her contribution to Walking Cricket and matchday community engagement.
Paul Frankland of Seaton Carew Cricket Club was recognised as Unsung Hero for his tireless contribution to the day-to-day running of the club, while Philadelphia Cricket Club received the Women & Girls Newcomer Award after establishing a women’s section which has quickly grown to a squad of 20 players.
The Junior Section Growth Award went to David Cain of Murton Cricket Club, whose work has helped the club grow from a single girls’ team to four girls’ teams and three women’s teams.
Harry Coult of Langley Park & Bearpark Cricket Club was named Male Young Volunteer, while Halle Miller of South Shields Cricket Club received the Female Young Volunteer Award for her outstanding contribution across women’s and girls’ cricket.
Richard Avenue Primary School was named School Programme of the Year for its commitment to the Foundation’s school programme, with pupils, teachers and families embracing cricket throughout the year.
Chopwell Primary School received the SEND School Programme of the Year Award after fully embracing the Foundation’s SEND Cricket Programme and continuing their cricket journey through both Table Cricket and Softball Cricket competitions.
The awards are the Foundation’s way of recognising the incredible contribution of those who support the charity in delivering its mission, from creating more opportunities to play to strengthening clubs and communities across the region.
The Foundation would like to thank everyone who nominated someone for this year’s awards, as well as the volunteers, clubs, coaches, schools and community organisations that continue to give their time and commitment to keeping recreational cricket thriving across the region.
Highly Commended:
Connecting Communities: Murton CC; Wearmouth YAV | Lifetime Achiever: Peter Armstrong, Preston on Tees CC; Edward Twiddy, Durham City CC | The Metro Bank Champion of Girls Cricket: Harry Smith, Norton CC; Leanne Sargon, Boldon CC | Male Coach of the Year: Graeme Martin, Murton CC | Female Coach of the Year: Samantha Pope, Durham City CC | Young Coach of the Year: Jagjeet Nayyar, Durham City CC; Tom Deveille, Lanchester CC; John McGilvary, Lanchester CC| Community Cricket Champion: Shuja Hafeez and Omar Mahmood, Stockton & Middlesbrough Street Club; John Hutton, Murton CC Unsung Hero: Muriel Ferry, Durham Cricket Foundation; Helen Chappell, Durham City CC | Female Young Volunteer: Evie Wilkinson; Zara Hashmi