The 2026 Cricket Collective winners have been selected!
The Cricket Collective Awards are about much more than runs scored, wickets taken or trophies won. They celebrate the people who make cricket happen. The volunteers, coaches, officials, grounds staff, community champions and innovators whose dedication creates welcoming, inclusive and thriving environments for the game across Yorkshire.
From inspiring the next generation and growing opportunities for women and girls, to maintaining facilities, improving sustainability and strengthening community connections; the awards recognise the individuals and teams whose commitment often happens behind the scenes but has a lasting impact on clubs and communities.
This year’s Yorkshire Cricket Foundation Cricket Collective Awards showcased the extraordinary breadth of talent, passion and service that exists throughout recreational cricket in Yorkshire, with winners representing every corner of the game.
Celebrating Yorkshire’s Cricket Champions
Among the winners was Jon Henley, who received the Newcomer of the Year award in recognition of the immediate impact he has made within the cricket community. The Young Cricket Collective Champion award went to Atticus Tomlinson, highlighting the important role young volunteers play in shaping the future of the game.
The Raising the Game award was presented to Moazam Khokhar for their work in driving positive change and creating opportunities within cricket, while Jen Lewis was named the Metro Bank Champion of Girls’ Cricket for her contribution to growing and supporting the women’s and girls’ game.
Volunteers remain at the heart of recreational cricket, and Michael Wood’s dedication was recognised with the Unsung Hero award. Often the people who give countless hours without seeking recognition, unsung heroes are the life of cricket clubs and communities across the county.
Innovation was also celebrated, with Matthew Wilkinson receiving the Sustainability Innovator award for championing environmentally conscious practices within the game, helping ensure cricket remains sustainable for future generations.
The People Who Keep the Game Moving
Cricket relies on an army of volunteers and officials whose efforts make every fixture possible.
Martin Kellaway was named Official of the Year, recognising the vital role officials play in upholding standards and ensuring the game is played in the right spirit.
The Treeton CC Grounds Team received the Grounds Management Team of the Year award, celebrating the expertise, commitment and countless hours invested in preparing and maintaining playing surfaces that allow players to perform at their best throughout the season.
Community impact remains central to the work of Yorkshire’s cricket network, and Jahangir Khan & Saqib Talib were recognised as YCF Community Champions for their outstanding efforts in using cricket to make a positive difference beyond the boundary.
Long-term dedication to local cricket was celebrated through the League Legend award, presented to Michael (Mick) Dawson, recognising a lasting contribution to league cricket and the generations of players, volunteers and officials impacted along the way.
Developing People and Growing the Game
Coaches play a pivotal role in creating positive experiences, nurturing talent and ensuring players of all ages can enjoy and develop within cricket.
This year’s Coach of the Year award was presented to Chelsea Pepper, recognising excellence in coaching and a commitment to supporting players on their cricketing journeys.
A lifetime dedicated to developing others was honoured through the Lifetime Services to Coaching award, which was presented to William (Bill) Carter. The award celebrates decades of commitment, mentorship and service that have helped shape countless players and coaches.
The prestigious Lifetime Achiever went to Pat Fhlarty, recognising an exceptional contribution to cricket over many years, and the lasting legacy created through a lifetime of service to the game.
Championing the Values of Cricket
The Cricket Collective Champion Award was presented to Sarah Pollard.
The award recognises an individual whose contribution embodies the very spirit of the Cricket Collective movement. Someone who goes above and beyond to strengthen their club, support their community and inspire others through their commitment to the game.
Sarah’s recognition serves as a fitting reminder of what the Cricket Collective Awards represent. While players take to the field each week, it is the dedication of volunteers, coaches, officials, grounds teams, administrators and community leaders that enables cricket to thrive.
We’re also delighted to share that Sarah Pollard, has been nominated for the national ECB Cricket Collective Champion Award. You can show your support for Sarah by casting your vote here.
2026 YCF Cricket Collective Award Winners
- Newcomer of the Year – Jon Henley
- Young Cricket Collective Champion – Atticus Tomlinson
- Raising the Game – Moazam Khokhar
- Metro Bank Champion of Girls’ Cricket – Jen Lewis
- Unsung Hero – Michael Wood
- Sustainability Innovator – Matthew Wilkinson
- Official of the Year – Martin Kellaway
- Grounds Management Team of the Year – Treeton CC Grounds Team
- YCF Community Champion – Jahangir Khan & Saqib Talib
- League Legend – Michael (Mick) Dawson
- Coach of the Year – Chelsea Pepper
- Lifetime Services to Coaching – William (Bill) Carter
- Lifetime Achiever – Pat Fhlarty
- Cricket Collective Champion – Sarah Pollard
Yorkshire Cricket Foundation extends its congratulations to all this year’s winners and nominees. Their passion, commitment and selfless dedication continue to strengthen communities, create opportunities and ensure cricket remains a game for everyone across Yorkshire.
