Our 2026 Cricket Collective Awards brought together the people who make grassroots cricket possible across Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside, celebrating 13 outstanding volunteers and the incredible contribution they make to our game.
From coaches inspiring the next generation and volunteers creating more opportunities for women and girls, to officials, grounds teams and lifelong supporters working tirelessly behind the scenes, this year’s winners represent the very best of our cricket community.
Now in their fourth year, our Cricket Collective Awards attracted a record number of nominations and the strongest standard of entries to date, reflecting the huge amount of time, energy and passion being invested in cricket across our region.
Across 12 award categories, we recognised the people making a real difference within their clubs and communities, helping more people enjoy the game and ensuring cricket continues to grow and thrive for generations to come.
The winners were:
- Nathan Twiss, Goose Green CC – Coach of the Year
- Ben Chapman, Formby CC – Cricket Collective Champion
- Orrell Red Triangle CC – Grounds Maintenance Team of the Year
- Alex Diver, Northern Pyramid Cricket League – League Legend
- Peter Elson, Thornton Cleveleys CC – Lifetime Services to Coaching
- Georgia Simm, Lancaster CC – Metro Bank Champion of Girls’ Cricket
- Toni Hughes, Newton-le-Willows CC – Newcomer of the Year
- Fred Leatherbarrow, Wythenshawe CC – Official of the Year
- Amy Hindle, Longridge CC – Raising the Game
- John Taylor, Northern Pyramid Cricket League – Unsung Hero
- Charlie O’Mahoney, Salesbury CC – Young Cricket Collective Champion
Two extra special awards for Lifetime Achievers were handed to:
- Frank Hinks, Walkden CC
- Greg Bolton, Brinscall CC
The LCF Cricket Collective Awards invites cricket clubs across the North West to nominate volunteers for the awards as part of its annual Volunteers Week, which took place in June. Following the deadline for submissions, a judging panel of four senior officers within LCF whittled down the nominations to a shortlist.
The overall winners were presented with their awards by Ailsa Lister, Paul Coughlin and Ajeet Singh-Dale during an on-pitch celebration at our home of cricket, Emirates Old Trafford, on Friday 4th August. They were joined by our Chair, John Murphy.
Greg Bolton, one of our two Lifetime Achievers, said: “I was genuinely amazed to have won and a little speechless when I found out. When it comes to cricket, you get involved for the love of the game, so to be recognised with a Lifetime Achiever Award is a real honour.
“I’m very passionate about keeping young people interested in the game, whether that’s through coaching, giving them opportunities to play throughout the winter or simply making sure there’s always a next step for them. There’s nothing better than seeing children who started playing at seven or eight years old progress all the way through to the first team. I’d love to see more cricket played in schools too, introducing children to the game from a younger age and giving everyone the chance to discover it.”
Charlie O’Mahoney, who took home the Young Cricket Collective Award, said: “I’m really happy to have won the award and to have the work I’m doing at the club recognised, because I think it’s important that young people realise they can play a part in driving the future of cricket forward, as well as taking part right now.
“The people running clubs today aren’t going to be there forever, so we need younger players and volunteers to get involved, learn from them and be ready to take things to the next level years down the line.
Jen Barden, Managing Director for LCF, said: “Every one of this year's winners represents the very best of grassroots cricket. Whether they're coaching the next generation, preparing pitches, supporting players behind the scenes or helping clubs thrive, their dedication creates opportunities for thousands of people across Lancashire to enjoy the game.
“Congratulations to all 13 winners, as well as everyone who was nominated. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our cricket clubs, giving their time, passion and energy to create places where people can play, develop friendships and feel they belong.
“I'd also like to thank the Lancashire Cricket Foundation team for their continued support of clubs across the region. Receiving a record number of nominations, and the strongest standard of entries we've ever seen, reflects not only the incredible commitment of our volunteers but also the growing recognition of the vital role they play in helping cricket and communities thrive."