Hosted at the National Space Centre in Leicester, the event celebrated the exceptional contributions of volunteers, leaders and organisations whose work provides the foundation for millions of people to enjoy the sport.
This year’s winners reflect the breadth of activity taking place across England and Wales – from community initiatives and innovative projects to long-term service and volunteer leadership. Their contributions continue to support the growth, development and evolution of the recreational game, helping cricket reach more people than ever.
Richard Gould, Chief Executive Officer, ECB said:
“Cricket thrives because of the people who volunteer their time and expertise to support the game. Their contribution to the game and to the people around them is immeasurable, and we’re proud to celebrate their achievements.”
Leshia Hawkins, Managing Director of the Recreational Game, ECB added:
“This year’s winners reflect the remarkable breadth of support that keeps recreational cricket thriving and growing year on year. Our nominees and winners add immeasurable value to our sport in so many different ways – from nurturing new players, to developing facilities and strengthening community engagement. It’s a privilege to recognise and thank them.”
Impact of Cricket Awards 2025
In their inaugural year in 2025, the Impact of Cricket Awards celebrate the outstanding work of individuals and organisations across the recreational game. These awards recognise initiatives that strengthen communities, improve access and inclusion, drive innovation and support the sustainable growth of cricket across England and Wales.
Congratulations to the 2025 winners:
Rising Star – Derbyshire Cricket Foundation’s Charlie Storr was nominated for the Rising Star Award.
Partnerships – Winner: East Midlands Counties
Five counties — Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, and Leicestershire & Rutland — have shown what true collaboration can achieve. From the explosive growth of the East Midlands Women’s Cricket League (21 teams in 2019 to 177 in 2025) to shared workforce development and joint talent pathways, this partnership has transformed opportunities across the region. A model of collective leadership.
Most Inclusive Team Sport
Winner: Derbyshire Cricket Foundation
Derbyshire Cricket Foundation has delivered exceptional progress in increasing South Asian participation across Derby. Through targeted programmes, bursaries, facility investment, women’s cricket development, and workforce diversification, it has created a sustainable, community led model for inclusion. Its work is breaking down barriers and ensuring cricket truly reflects the communities it serves.
The Cricket Collective Awards 2025
The Cricket Collective Awards celebrate the volunteers, young leaders, clubs and community groups who keep the grassroots game running week in, week out. These annual awards focus on practical contribution — coaching, scoring, groundskeeping, club development, community outreach, and the countless unseen roles that make cricket possible.
Recreational Cricket Boards have been nominating their region’s winners across 12 different categories since the end of the summer, and from that group a panel of experts has chosen the national winners.
Congratulations to the 2025 Connecting Communities winners from Derbyshire:
Connecting Communities
Winner: Hindu Cultural & Welfare Society CC (Derbyshire)
In just over a year, this new club has become a vibrant hub for cricket in Derby City. With no home ground and relying on public parks, they have built junior sections, women’s teams, school partnerships, and coaching pathways – all driven by community spirit and determination.
To find out more and read about all of the winners and nominees, visit – England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) – The Official Website of the ECB
