Cricket Collective Celebration 2024: Honouring Hampshire's Unsung Heroes

An Evening of Recognition, Community Spirit, and Celebration for 227 Volunteers at the Utilita Bowl.

On 1st November, the Hampshire Cricket Board hosted the much-anticipated Cricket Collective Celebration Event at Utilita Bowl. The event welcomed an impressive 227 volunteers, showcasing the vibrant and dedicated community that supports cricket across the region.

This annual gathering coincided with the popular Utilita Bowl Fireworks event, adding to the atmosphere. Volunteers, who form the backbone of cricket in Hampshire, were celebrated for their unwavering dedication, passion, and the countless hours they contribute to the sport.

Attendees had the opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow volunteers, sharing stories and experiences over food and drinks before the presentation began. 

The evening featured a series of presentations and moments of recognition for the invaluable work carried out by individuals and groups throughout the year. It was an opportunity for volunteers to come together, share experiences, and be acknowledged for their essential roles in promoting and sustaining cricket at all levels.

Hampshire Cricket Board is immensely grateful for the tireless commitment of these volunteers, whose efforts ensure that cricket continues to thrive in the community. The event was a testament to the power of collective enthusiasm and the deep-rooted love for the game.

This year, the event featured nominations across various categories, showcasing the incredible achievements and dedication of individuals and groups. Here are the nominations:

2024 Cricket Collective Award Winners:

Rising Star - A young volunteer making a difference in the game (for 11-16-year-olds)

  • Noah Boyd (Wellow & Plaitford Cricket Club) 

Game Changer - A young volunteer making a difference in the game (for 17-25-year-olds)

  • Adam Greening (Basingstoke Street Programme)

Young Coach of the Year - A young person inspiring the next generation of players (16-25-year-olds)

  • Molly Bradford (Super 1s Programme)

Outstanding Contribution – Services to Coaching

  • Paul Crabtree (Compton & Chandlers Ford Cricket Club)

Coach of the Year - A coach who goes above and beyond

  • Ian Clarke (Overton Cricket Club)

Cricket Innovators - Implementing new systems to improve the club or community group

  • Connor Saunders (Portsmouth & Southsea Cricket Club)

Inspired to Play - Going above and beyond to #raisethegame

  • Lucy Tillotson (Super 1s Programme)

Safe Hands - Creating a positive and inclusive environment

  • Nik Lucocq (Portsmouth & Southsea CC)

Connecting Communities - Supporting communities and raising the game

  • St Mary Bourne Cricket Club

Growing the Game - A league volunteer, committee member, or administrator going above and beyond to support clubs and help increase the number of games played

  • Ellie Clayden (Grayshott Cricket Club)

Tackling Climate Change - A club or community organisation that is addressing the threat climate change poses to cricket, by making sustainable changes to operations, adapting their facilities and/or engaging and educating their local community. 

  • Bob Selley (Sparsholt Cricket Club)

Volunteer Grounds Team of the Year - An opportunity to reward and recognise those volunteers who are working hard and improving the places where the game is played. 

  • Matt Harrison (Portchester Cricket Club)

Metro Bank Champion of Girls Cricket - A volunteer, coach or role model who has championed growing girls’ cricket at their club: 

  • Jon Dyer-Slade (Ropley Cricket Club)

Unsung Hero - Those heroes who impact our game from behind-the-scenes and help us make cricket happen

  • Will Millard (Sway Cricket Club)

Lifetime Achiever - That one individual who has given many years of service to your club or community group and who you could not do without:  

  • Harry Bates (Broadhalfpenny Brigands Cricket Club)
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