Simon is on national shortlist

October 2, 2026

THE Chairman of a Suffolk Cricket Club has been shortlisted for a national award.

Simon Gladwell (pictured above) is one of just six from thousands of volunteers across the country to be shortlisted for the new Cricket Collective Champion award.

The award, which will be decided by a public vote and announced in early February, recognises an individual who goes above and beyond to support the volunteers at the heart of recreational cricket.

The 53-year-old, who has been Chair of Hadleigh CC since 2023, said of being shortlisted: “It is a mixture of it being a great honour and a complete surprise!

“You don’t do it for the recognition, you do it because you want to do it for the love of cricket and, in my case, the love of Hadleigh Cricket Club.”

The National Cricket Collective Awards, which are organised by the ECB, celebrate the volunteers, young leaders, clubs and community groups who make recreational cricket possible.

From coaching and scoring to groundskeeping, administration and community outreach, the awards shine a light on the people whose commitment keeps the game moving forward.

Simon’s nomination said:

“Simon Gladwell has made a significant and lasting contribution to recreational cricket through his leadership, volunteer development and commitment to creating a welcoming club environment where people can thrive.

As Chair of Hadleigh Cricket Club, Simon’s impact extends far beyond governance and administration. Through his enthusiasm, encouragement and hands-on approach, he has helped build a culture in which volunteers feel valued, supported and motivated to contribute. His ability to bring people together has strengthened the club’s volunteer network and created an environment where individuals feel confident to get involved and take on new opportunities.

Simon is a passionate advocate for developing cricket at grassroots level and is a regular presence within the club’s junior section. By supporting training sessions and engaging with young players and their families, he helps ensure that newcomers receive a positive introduction to the game and feel welcomed into the club community.

A key strength of Simon’s leadership is his commitment to empowering others. He actively encourages volunteers to develop new skills and take on responsibilities, providing practical support and guidance along the way. His ability to recognise potential in others and give them the confidence to succeed has helped individuals flourish in roles they may never have previously considered.

Simon also plays an important role in recruiting and retaining volunteers, creating an inclusive environment where contributions of all sizes are recognised and appreciated. Whether welcoming new participants, supporting existing volunteers or helping people overcome challenges, he consistently demonstrates a genuine commitment to the people who make recreational cricket possible.”

To cast your vote for Simon click here

Voting will close on Monday, October 26th 2026 at 11.59pm.

The winner will be announced as part of the National Cricket Collective Awards and celebrated at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday, February 5th 2027.

 

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