Grassroots cricket volunteers gather for annual celebration at The Spitfire Ground

Kent Cricket’s annual Volunteers’ Day was held on Thursday 25 September at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence — a brilliant day that brought together volunteers from across recreational cricket in Kent.

During the Lunch break of Day Two of Kent vs. Derbyshire in the Rothesay County Championship., an awards ceremony hosted by former Kent captain Dave Fulton saw the winners of the 2025 Kent Cricket Volunteer & Coach Awards, and the Alan Albury Awards, presented with their awards by Joe Denly and Club Captain Daniel Bell-Drummond.

Guests from clubs across Kent, the Kent Leagues, the Association of Cricket Officials and partner organisations were invited to enjoy a day of hospitality. The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Canterbury, Keji Moses and Carol Reed, also supported the event.

A total of 15 Kent Cricket Volunteer and Coach Awards were presented including awards for Connecting Communities, Metro Bank Champion of Girls’ Cricket and Unsung Hero. Coaching awards recognised Young Coach of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Outstanding Services to Coaching.

The Lifetime Achiever Award went to Pat Lippiatt for more than fifty years’ service to the game — a hugely deserving candidate! All awards’ winners have been put forward for consideration for the ECB’s National Cricket Collective Awards.

Alan Albury Awards from the Kent Recreational Cricket Welfare Trust, which honour long-serving volunteers, were presented to individuals from Sidcup CC, Addington Village CC, Mersham Sports Club, Boughton & Eastwell CC, Bexleyheath CC and Sandwich CC.

Reflecting on the day, James Reid, Head of Community Cricket, said: “What a day! On 25 September, we were lucky to bring together over a hundred amazing volunteers from across Kent’s grassroots cricket community for our annual Volunteers’ Day.

It was all about celebrating the passion, dedication, and energy that our volunteers bring to the game year after year. A massive thank you to everyone who came along – cricket in Kent wouldn’t be the same without you! Thanks also to the Kent Community Team for creating such a brilliant and uplifting day. ”

Download the full programme from the day, including a complete list of award winners and their citations, below:

Volunteers’ Day Programme