Foundation Celebrates Volunteers at 2026 Cricket Collective Awards

Foundation Celebrates Volunteers at 2026 Cricket Collective Awards

Volunteers from clubs and communities across the county were recognised at the 2026 Cricket Collective Awards, which brought together 80 volunteers, family and friends in the Dean Wilson Boundary Rooms at The County Ground, Hove, on Sunday 20 September.

Taking place alongside the Sussex Cricket League T20 Finals Day, the annual awards brought together volunteers, young leaders, clubs and community champions from across Sussex to celebrate the individuals whose dedication helps cricket thrive in communities throughout the county.

Organised by the Sussex Cricket Foundation, the England & Wales Cricket Boards’ Cricket Collective Awards recognise the volunteers who give their time to ensure cricket remains accessible, welcoming and enjoyable for people of all ages and backgrounds. From coaching and officiating to grounds management, administration, fundraising and safeguarding, volunteers are the driving force behind recreational cricket across Sussex.

Speaking after the ceremony, Gary Wallis-Tayler, Head of the Sussex Cricket Foundation, paid tribute to the county's volunteers and their impact on the game.

These awards are important as they recognise the achievements of volunteers, who dedicate an enormous amount of time to ensure accessible opportunities are provided for all to access the game in their local communities.

“We were delighted to host all our volunteers on Sunday and celebrate those who won awards. I would like to thank all of our volunteers in Sussex for their incredible contributions to helping make the game thrive in Sussex."

The Sussex Cricket Foundation would also like to thank Acrisure, Sussex Cricket Premium Partners, who sponsored the 2026 Cricket Collective Awards, and provide continued support to the Foundation and recreational cricket across the county.

2026 Cricket Collective Award Winners

The afternoon recognised outstanding volunteers from 10 different clubs across the county:

• Newcomer of the Year: Matt Ricks (East Dean & Friston CC)
• Young Cricket Collective Champion: Fabian Gilchrist (Bexhill CC)
• Raising the Game: Dylan Griffiths (Shoreham-by-Sea CC)
• Metro Bank Champion of Girls' Cricket: Lewes Legends - Daisy Moore, Violet Bassett, Amber Lanaway, Scarlett Olliver, Saskia Wells, Ella Bartholomew and Cora Hippolyte-Rumbold (Lewes Priory CC)
• Unsung Hero: Laura Goulds (Haywards Heath CC)
• Official of the Year: Annabel Martirossian (Lewes Priory CC)
• Grounds Management Team of the Year: Phil Wickwar (Burgess Hill CC)
• League Legend: Jon Meredith (Little Common Ramblers CC)
• Coach of the Year: Dean Pearce (Turners Hill CC)
• Lifetime Services to Coaching: Clive Harris (Polegate & Stone Cross CC)
• Cricket Collective Champion: Gemma Gamble (East Dean & Friston CC)
• Lifetime Achiever: Tim Cox (Edenbridge CC)

The winners embody the best of cricket in Sussex and the voluntary work that sustains clubs, leagues, facilities, coaching, officiating and participation across the county.

Each recipient has strengthened their club and community, from inspiring new players and volunteers to maintaining facilities, developing girls' cricket and supporting daily club operations.

The awards also recognise the wider volunteer workforce behind recreational cricket in Sussex. Coaches, scorers, grounds persons, administrators, officials, fundraisers and safeguarding officers help keep the game welcoming and accessible to all.

Mandy Davis from West Chiltington & Thakeham CC who was nominated in the Unsung Hero category said:

It was a great privilege to have been nominated and it was an excellent opportunity to chat with other cricket volunteers from across the county.

The Sussex Cricket Foundation would like to congratulate all winners and nominees and thank every volunteer supporting the game across Sussex.

Our 12 Sussex winners will now enter the ECB Cricket Collective Awards national shortlisting process alongside county winners from across England & Wales. Please also keep an eye out on the Sussex Cricket Foundation social media channels over the next few weeks as we celebrate each of the individual award winners.

View the full list of nominees for the 2026 Cricket Collective Awards here.

Behind the scenes and at the heart of club life, Sussex's volunteers help cricket thrive and keep the game open to everyone.