Nominations open for 2026 Cricket Collective Awards
It’s time to nominate worthy candidates from your club for this year’s new-look ECB Cricket Collective Awards in Shropshire.
The winners of the Shropshire awards will then go forwards to the national awards which will be judged in the Winter.
The Cricket Collective Awards are an annual celebration of the volunteers, young leaders, clubs, and community groups who keep the grassroots game thriving week in, week out.
These awards shine a light on the people whose dedication, passion, and energy make cricket possible across the country.
This year the ECB has created a number of new awards, including the Cricket Collective Champion where the national winner will be decided by a public vote.
Other new categories replacing some of the existing awards include; Raising the Game, Young Cricket Collective Champion, Sustainability Innovator, Newcomer of the Year, Official of the Year and League Legend.
Cricket Shropshire Lead Officer Steve Reese said: “We know there are lots of volunteers at clubs in Shropshire who go above and beyond to make sure we Get The Game On week in, week out.
“This is a chance for clubs to recognise these individuals and groups by nominating for these prestigious awards.
“In recent years we have seen winners from Shropshire going on to either win or be highly commended in the national awards – it would be great to give some of our volunteers the chance to be recognised nationally once again.
“So please get your nominations in.”
We are looking for awards in the following categories via the nomination form below. Closing date for entries is Friday, August 21.
Newcomer of the Year
An individual who has recently stepped into the world of cricket volunteering and made an immediate, positive impact. Whether through fresh ideas, infectious enthusiasm, or a willingness to go above and beyond, this person has quickly become an integral part of their club or community.
Young Cricket Collective Champion
A young volunteer aged 14 to 25 who has brought fresh energy, skills, or ideas to cricket this season, leading by example, acting as a positive role model, and making a meaningful contribution to their team, club or community.
Grounds Management Team of the Year
Volunteers who go the extra mile to make sure players have quality, safe, and sustainable facilities to enjoy cricket throughout the season.
League Legend
A league volunteer, committee member or administrator who goes above and beyond to support clubs, local competitions, and participation levels.
Raising the Game
A volunteer, committee member, or administrator who has gone above and beyond to help make cricket the most inclusive team sport opening cricket to new participants and
communities and helping them thrive and feel welcome.
Coach of the Year
A coach who goes above and beyond to inspire and develop players of all ages and abilities, creating a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable learning environment.
Metro Bank Champion of Girls’ Cricket
An individual, coach, role model or club who has championed the development of girls’ cricket, creating opportunities for girls to play, coach, and lead.
Lifetime Services to Coaching
A individual who has dedicated a lifetime to coaching, nurturing and mentoring players and fellow coaches, creating a lasting legacy across clubs, leagues, counties, or schools.
Unsung Hero
A dedicated volunteer whose efforts to make cricket happen often go unnoticed or take place behind-the-scenes, yet they continue to go above and beyond to support their club or community and to improve the experience for everyone involved.
Sustainability Innovator
An individual, club, or group 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.
Lifetime Achiever
An individual whose long-term service has shaped their club, league, or community, leaving a lasting legacy through years of dedication.
Cricket Collective Champion
An individual who plays a vital role in making recreational cricket happen by championing the volunteers who bring itto life. They support and uplift others, helping to recruit new faces, nurture existing volunteers, and create a welcoming, motivated environment where everyone feels valued.
Official of the Year
Match Officials, whether as an Umpire or Scorer, who uphold the spirit of cricket through fairness, professionalism and respect, and who make significant contributions to their organisation and the wider cricketing community, including supporting the development of others.
Anyone with any queries can contact info@cricketshropshire.co.uk