Durham Cricket Foundation is once again recognising the vital contribution of volunteers to the recreational game with the return of the Grassroots Cricket Awards, with nominations now open until Sunday 17th August.
The annual awards celebrate the unsung heroes who keep cricket growing and thriving across Durham, from club coaches and junior coordinators to community organisers and safeguarding leads.
As in previous years, shortlisted nominees will be invited to a special presentation evening at the Banks Homes Riverside Ground, taking place during the Durham Women v Hampshire Women Metro Bank One-Day Cup fixture on Sunday 7th September. The event includes a hospitality experience and three-course meal, offering a memorable way to thank those who give so much to the game.
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.
New Awards:
This year, the Foundation is introducing three new award categories to reflect the evolving landscape of grassroots cricket and to celebrate clubs and volunteers who are making bold strides to grow the game:
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Women & Girls Newcomer Award – for clubs that have launched a new women’s or girls’ section
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Junior Section Growth Award – recognising significant expansion in mixed junior cricket, such as new team entries in the DCB Junior League
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Community Cricket Champion – celebrating volunteers delivering cricket in non-league or informal settings
A Metro Bank Champion of Girls’ Cricket will also feature as part of this year’s ceremony to recognise volunteers who have championed the female game in their club.
Nominations are open until Sunday 17th August.
Categories
- Connecting Communities – a club or community organisation which has gone above and beyond the call of cricket to support communities/groups.
- 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.
- Female Young Volunteer – female young volunteer making a difference – Ages 11-17
- Male Young Volunteer – male young volunteer making a difference – Ages 11-17
- Unsung hero – those heroes who impact our game and help us 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
- Cricket Innovators – Someone who has brought new ideas and/or implemented new systems to improve your club or community
- 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 Programmes Club of the Year – a club that has demonstrated commitment to grow and professionally deliver 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.
- 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
- Community Cricket Champion – celebrating volunteers delivering cricket in non-league or informal settings