The 2024 Cricket Collective Awards celebrated the unsung heroes of recreational cricket in Surrey on Sunday, August 25th, during the County Championship match against Lancashire. Over 200 guests, including nominees, their families, and friends, gathered over a two course lunch to recognise the exceptional individuals and organisations that have made a significant impact on the recreational cricket scene.
Hosted by Aatif Nawaz, the afternoon also featured a Q&A session with Surrey players Amy Gordon and Josh Blake. The awards ceremony was kindly sponsored by Berkley Developments.
Chris Coleman, Director of Cricket Participation at the Surrey Cricket Board, said: “The Cricket Collective Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the incredible work being done by volunteers and clubs across Surrey. These individuals and organisations are the lifeblood of our cricket community, and their dedication and passion are truly inspiring.”
Our thanks to all those who took the time to nominate for the awards, and our congratulations not only to all the winners on the day, but to all nominees across all categories. Read on to learn a little more about our winners.
Coach of the Year
Joint winners of the Coach of the Year award were Dan Shepherd of Chertsey Cricket Club and Charlotte Lindner of Dulwich Cricket Club. Shepherd, a long-standing member of Chertsey, is a dedicated coach for three junior teams, spending countless hours nurturing young talent. Lindner, meanwhile, has shown exceptional leadership in developing the women’s softball team at Dulwich and has been an inspiring coach for both youth and adult players.
Connecting Communities
Dulwich Cricket Club was recognised for their outstanding work in connecting communities through their Snow Leopards and Dulwich Dragons programs. These initiatives have provided opportunities for refugees and women to participate in cricket, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Cricket Innovator
James Gray of Streatham & Marlborough Cricket Club was awarded the Cricket Innovator prize for his tireless fundraising efforts towards a new pavilion. Through his innovative approach and dedication, James played a crucial role in securing the necessary funds for this important project.
Game Changer
Sean Ryan of Streatham & Marlborough Cricket Club and George Pratt of Old Wimbledonians Cricket Club were joint winners of the Game Changer award. Both young volunteers have made significant contributions to their clubs, from coaching junior players to organising fundraising events.
Growing the Game
Ahmed Hussain of Guildford Cricket Club was honoured with the Growing the Game award for his efforts in reviving the club’s lower teams and creating opportunities for players of all levels.
Inspired to Play
James Watson of Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club and Heathfield Junior School was recognised for his exceptional work in promoting cricket within the community. Watson has been instrumental in inspiring young people to play cricket and has received national recognition for his efforts.
Outstanding Contribution – Services to Coaching
Darren Talbot of Twenty20 Community Cricket was awarded the Outstanding Contribution – Services to Coaching prize for his dedication to providing quality cricket coaching to young people. Talbot’s commitment to developing junior cricketers and fostering a positive environment is unparalleled.
Rising Star
Charlie Mullins of Farncombe Cricket Club was named Rising Star for his exceptional contributions as a young volunteer. Charlie has not only been a valuable member of the club’s junior team but has also shown a strong commitment to helping others.
SafeHands
Divi Dunn of Farncombe Cricket Club was recognised for her outstanding work in safeguarding young people at the club. She has been a dedicated volunteer for many years and has played a crucial role in ensuring a safe and positive environment for junior players.
Metro Bank Champion of Girls’ Cricket
Ali Rustige of Merstham Cricket Club was awarded the Metro Bank Champion of Girls’ Cricket prize for her tireless efforts in promoting and developing women’s cricket at her club. Ali has been instrumental in increasing participation and creating opportunities for girls and women of all ages.
Unsung Hero
Julie Goldsworth of Frensham Cricket Club was honoured with the Unsung Hero award for her invaluable contributions behind the scenes. Goldsworth has been a dedicated volunteer for many years and has played a vital role in the success of the club’s junior program.
Volunteer Grounds Management Team
Imran Choudhary of Peper Harow Cricket Club was recognised for his outstanding work in maintaining and improving the club’s grounds. Imran has dedicated countless hours to ensuring that the club’s facilities are in top condition.
Young Coach of the Year
Orla Chavasse of Merstham CC was awarded the Young Coach of the Year prize for her dedication and passion for coaching young cricketers. She has been instrumental in developing the club’s junior girls’ program and has shown exceptional leadership skills.
Lifetime Achiever
Eric Ferebee of Battersea Ironsides Cricket Club was named Lifetime Achiever for his extraordinary contributions to the club over many years. Eric has served in numerous roles and has been a driving force behind the club’s success.
