Three Hampshire Heroes win National Awards for Contributions to Cricket

Three Hampshire locals have been recognised nationally for their positive impact on cricket in the country throughout 2025.

Stephen Osgood, Rohan and Ian Crowley all won awards regionally at last year’s County Cricket Collective Awards and, as a result, were nominated for the national stage of the awards which they went on to win. They were presented with their awards at the ECB Impact of Cricket Conference, in Leicester, on Wednesday 28 January.

Osgood was the winner of the Cricket Innovators category for his work at Sarisbury Athletic Cricket Club. This award is given to someone who has innovated to help the development of the sport within their cricket community. Osgood leads the Sarisbury Athletic Cricket Club Kit Exchange, a pioneering initiative that has allowed young players across the county access to cricket.

He has invested countless hours into this project where he refurbishes used cricket gear that can then be sold to junior players at heavily discounted rates, with all funds raised being reinvested back into the Exchange. It has now supported over 80 families at the club and in the wider Hampshire area.

The Game Changer Award went to Rohan who was victorious for his exceptional volunteer work. Rohan qualified as an ECB Support Cricket Coach this year, coaching young players at the Martin Bicknell Cricket Academy and even coached out in the United States during his DofE Gold Residential.

Rohan also helps with local fundraising events and was part of the team that raised £165,000 for the Bob Willis Fund at the England vs West Indies Test Match. He went on to win the British Youth Citizen Award (BCyA) and was invited to 10 Downing Street as a result, highlighting his impact and commitment.

Finally, Ian Crowley saw success with the Safe Hands Award. The criteria for this award is an individual who has created a positive and inclusive environment for young cricket players. Crowley leads the Juniors at Hedge End Junior Cricket Club, from coaching under 9s to helping older children transition into adult cricket.

He gives his time and energy to creating an environment focused on allowing young people to enjoy playing cricket. He works to ensure children from any background have access to the sport and aims to help these young people develop not only their cricket skills, but wider life skills too. His passion has left a lasting impact and earned him this national recognition.

Every winner has been invited to England’s Test Match against Pakistan at Lord’s in August and will receive a lap of honour to celebrate their success.

Kerry Meredith, from Locks Heath Cricket Club missed out on an award in the Unsung Hero category but was highly commended for her efforts. She will receive a presentation box and letter from Hampshire Cricket Board in the coming weeks.

Meredith has been Colts Coordinator at the club for two years and has been a transformative role within the club. Her sessions now host over 180 children on Saturday mornings with Meredith overseeing 14 teams from under 9s to under 17s. In addition to her coaching, she secured £10,000 in sponsorship for the Colts which allows the club to provide a shirt and hoodie to each player.