Hosted at the National Space Centre in Leicester, the event celebrated the exceptional contributions of volunteers, leaders and organisations whose work provides the foundation for millions of people to enjoy the sport.
This year’s winners reflect the breadth of activity taking place across England and Wales - from community initiatives and innovative projects to long-term service and volunteer leadership. Their contributions continue to support the growth, development and evolution of the recreational game, helping cricket reach more people than ever.
Richard Gould, Chief Executive Officer, ECB said:
“Cricket thrives because of the people who volunteer their time and expertise to support the game. Their contribution to the game and to the people around them is immeasurable, and we’re proud to celebrate their achievements.”
Leshia Hawkins, Managing Director of the Recreational Game, ECB added:
“This year’s winners reflect the remarkable breadth of support that keeps recreational cricket thriving and growing year on year. Our nominees and winners add immeasurable value to our sport in so many different ways - from nurturing new players, to developing facilities and strengthening community engagement. It’s a privilege to recognise and thank them.”
Impact of Cricket Awards 2025
In their inaugural year in 2025, the Impact of Cricket Awards celebrate the outstanding work of individuals and organisations across the recreational game. These awards recognise initiatives that strengthen communities, improve access and inclusion, drive innovation and support the sustainable growth of cricket across England and Wales.
Congratulations to the 2025 winners:
Leading Change
Winner: Namita Patel (Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket Foundation)
Namita has redefined what leadership looks like in cricket. Since joining Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket Foundation in 2022, she has transformed the Community Pillar into a fully independent charity – with a clear purpose and a culture rooted in inclusion. Her work rebuilding trust, empowering staff, and launching the ‘This is Our Game, This is My Game’ strategy has reshaped the county’s relationship with its communities. A nationally recognised leader, Namita’s blend of courage, compassion and strategic vision has set a new benchmark for EDI in sport.
Innovation
Winner: Warwickshire Cricket Foundation
Warwickshire’s bold 2025–29 strategy places cricket at the heart of social change. From Comic Relief funded programmes tackling violence against women and girls, to HS2supported youth diversion projects, to pioneering research on engaging ethnically diverse women, the Foundation is delivering measurable, lifechanging impact. Its work shows how cricket can be a powerful force for empowerment, health, and opportunity.
Rising Star
Winner: Victoria Jones (Cricket Wales)
In just two years, Victoria has driven an unprecedented £6.25 million investment into cricket facilities across Wales. Her leadership has delivered new practice facilities, climate resilient projects, major redevelopments, and sustainability initiatives - all while championing equal access for women and girls. Calm, strategic, and relentlessly committed, Victoria is shaping the future of Welsh cricket.
Partnerships
Winner: East Midlands Counties
Five counties — Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, and Leicestershire & Rutland — have shown what true collaboration can achieve. From the explosive growth of the East Midlands Women’s Cricket League (21 teams in 2019 to 177 in 2025) to shared workforce development and joint talent pathways, this partnership has transformed opportunities across the region. A model of collective leadership.
Operational Excellence
Winner: Wiltshire Cricket
Wiltshire Cricket has undergone a major transformation, launching a refreshed strategy, values, and operational model that puts culture and stakeholder experience at its core. With new digital tools, a values driven approach, and a powerful communications campaign, Wiltshire has built a modern, sustainable foundation for the future.
Most Inclusive Team Sport
Winner: Derbyshire Cricket Foundation
Derbyshire Cricket Foundation has delivered exceptional progress in increasing South Asian participation across Derby. Through targeted programmes, bursaries, facility investment, women’s cricket development, and workforce diversification, it has created a sustainable, community led model for inclusion. Its work is breaking down barriers and ensuring cricket truly reflects the communities it serves.
The Cricket Collective Awards 2025
The Cricket Collective Awards celebrate the volunteers, young leaders, clubs and community groups who keep the grassroots game running week in, week out. These annual awards focus on practical contribution — coaching, scoring, groundskeeping, club development, community outreach, and the countless unseen roles that make cricket possible.
Recreational Cricket Boards have been nominating their region’s winners across 12 different categories since the end of the summer, and from that group a panel of experts has chosen the national winners.
Congratulations to the 2025 winners:
Inspired to Play
Winner: Emma Cooling (Devon)
Emma has opened the door to cricket for hundreds of people - from mainstream schoolchildren to adults with complex disabilities. Her adapted sessions, creativity, and warmth have transformed lives and made cricket accessible to those who never imagined they could play.
Highly Commended: Dharmesh Patel (Leicestershire & Rutland)
Highly Commended: Sean Ryan (Surrey)
Rising Star
Winners: Betty Evans (Dorset) and Alex Evans (Cricket Wales)
Two exceptional young volunteers have made a huge impact in different ways.
- Betty shines as a player, umpire, volunteer, and role model at Puddletown CC, inspiring younger children and championing participation at school and club level.
- Alex, at just 11, has become the main scorer at Croesyceiliog CC, earning praise for his professionalism and passion for the game.
Highly Commended: Laura Newton (Cricket East)
Highly Commended: William Bourne (Staffordshire)
Connecting Communities
Winner: Hindu Cultural & Welfare Society CC (Derbyshire)
In just over a year, this new club has become a vibrant hub for cricket in Derby City. With no home ground and relying on public parks, they have built junior sections, women’s teams, school partnerships, and coaching pathways - all driven by community spirit and determination.
Highly Commended: James Chamberlain & Jeffrey Reene (Kent)
Highly Commended: Temple Cloud Cricket Club (Somerset)
Metro Bank Champion of Girls’ Cricket
Winner: Karen Coleman (Staffordshire)
Karen’s tireless work ensures every girl has the chance to play - even welcoming players from other clubs so no one misses out. Her positivity, organisation and care have created unforgettable experiences and a thriving girls’ cricket community.
Highly Commended: Stewart Easterbrook (Buckinghamshire)
Highly Commended: Anthony Staddon (Kent)
Highly Commended: Caroline Shaw Hales (Surrey)
Cricket Innovators
Winner: Stephen Osgood (Hampshire)
Stephen’s Kit Exchange at Sarisbury Athletic CC has revolutionised access to cricket equipment. By refurbishing donated kit and selling it at low cost, he has supported more than 80 families and inspired similar schemes across the region. A simple idea with extraordinary impact.
Highly Commended: Mel Ive (Buckinghamshire)
Highly Commended: Andrew Norrie (Cambridgeshire)
Growing the Game
Winner: Barry Hellewell (Hertfordshire)
After more than 30 years of service, Barry leaves behind a legacy that has shaped cricket for thousands. From league restructuring to launching the Hertfordshire Women’s League, his leadership has strengthened the game at every level.
Highly Commended: Adam Meads & Leigh Moore (Leicestershire & Rutland)
Highly Commended: Matt Camp (Sussex)
Safe Hands
Winner: Ian Crowley (Hampshire)
Ian is the heart of Hedge End Juniors CC. His coaching goes far beyond cricket skills — he builds confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging. His kindness and commitment have created a truly inclusive junior environment.
Highly Commended: Jackie Orr (Gloucestershire)
Highly Commended: Kait King (Nottinghamshire)
Tackling Climate Change
Winner: Bethesda Cricket & Bowling Club (Cricket Wales)
Bethesda has transformed its facilities through solar power, insulation, rainwater harvesting, LED lighting, and sustainable rebuilding after storm damage. Their holistic approach is a blueprint for environmentally responsible club development.
Highly commended: Xeena Cooper (Gloucestershire)
Highly commended: Sibton Park Cricket Club (Kent)
Volunteer Grounds Team of the Year
Winner: Chris Haley (Yorkshire)
Chris has revitalised Airedale CC’s ground and rebuilt its junior section from scratch, investing up to 30 hours a week for the club. His resilience, generosity and leadership have transformed opportunities for local children.
Highly Commended: Raza Ul-Haq (Nottinghamshire)
Unsung Hero
Winner: Laura Anderson (Hertfordshire)
During a pre‑season match, Laura responded immediately when a player collapsed with a cardiac arrest, performing CPR for 17 minutes until emergency services arrived. Her prompt actions were lifesaving. Her calm response in a difficult situation reflects exceptional presence of mind and care for others.
Highly Commended: Kerry Meredith (Hampshire)
Highly Commended: Cate Hayes (Nottinghamshire)
Game Changer
Winner: Rohan Handa (Hampshire)
At just 17, Rohan has already made a national impact - coaching, volunteering, fundraising, mentoring, and inspiring young players through his Cricket Nuggets channel. His energy and vision are shaping the future of the sport.
Highly Commended: Tom Howatson (Durham)
Highly Commended: Salma Afzal (Yorkshire)
Lifetime Achiever
Winner: Mick Hornsby (Yorkshire)
With more than 80 years of service to cricket, Mick’s dedication to Eastrington CC is legendary. Player, umpire, groundsman, mentor - his influence spans generations. The pavilion now bears his name, a fitting tribute to a remarkable contribution.
Highly Commended: Bharat Patel (Leicestershire & Rutland)
Highly Commended: Pat Hall (Norfolk)
Highly Commended: Edward Barker (Staffordshire)