Get your nominations in now
July 22, 2026MAKE sure you get your nominations in for The Cricket Collective Awards 2026.
The annual awards seek to reward and recognise volunteers across Suffolk who have made a difference to their club, league or community group.
This year The Cricket Collective Awards are running alongside the ECB Coach Awards, helping to streamline the nomination process.
There are a total 15 award categories with the deadline for nominations on Friday, August 22nd.
Suffolk Cricket Development Manager Andrew Blanchard, who is organising the awards, said: “The Cricket Collective Awards are the recreational game’s annual celebration of the volunteers, young leaders, clubs, and community groups who keep the grassroots game thriving week in, week out.
“I encourage everyone in cricket to spend a few moments and think about the people at their club who make a difference.
“Whether they’re running weekly coaching sessions, supporting young players, maintaining grounds, welcoming new members, or working tirelessly behind the scenes to create inclusive and enjoyable club environments.”
After the nominations deadline has passed, everyone who submitted a nomination will have the option to be entered into a prize draw.
Please take the time to look through the categories and nominate some deserving colleagues.
2026 Nominations Categories
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.
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.
Metro Bank Champion of Girls’ Cricket
An individual, coach, role model, club or group who has championed the development of girls’ cricket, creating opportunities for girls to play, coach, and lead.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lifetime Services to Coaching
An 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.
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 it to life. They support and uplift others, helping to recruit new faces, nurture existing volunteers, and create a welcoming, motivated environment where everyone feels valued.
Should you have any queries about The Cricket Collective Awards, please contact Andrew Blanchard via email ablanchard@suffolkcricket.org or on 07738 199150
Tags: Andrew Blanchard, Nominations, The Cricket Collective Awards
Categorised in: News, Volunteers
