Horsforth’s Jack Hargreaves Wins Cricket Grassroots Award 2026

Key Points

• Local cricketer from Horsforth, Leeds, has received a prestigious award for outstanding contributions to community cricket.
• The award recognises years of dedication, coaching young players, and promoting the sport in the suburb.
• Ceremony held recently in Leeds, attended by local dignitaries and cricket officials.
• Recipient expressed surprise and gratitude, dedicating the honour to volunteers and young talents.
• Award highlights growing role of grassroots cricket in West Yorkshire amid rising participation rates.
• Event organised by a regional cricket body, with sponsorship from local businesses.
• Cricketer’s journey from local club player to award winner inspires upcoming generations.
• Future plans include expanding coaching programmes in Horsforth schools.

Horsforth (The Leeds Times) February 20, 2026 – A talented cricketer from Horsforth has been honoured with a significant award for his exemplary service to the sport, marking a milestone in local community efforts to nurture young talent. The recognition comes at a time when grassroots cricket in Leeds suburbs is gaining momentum, drawing attention from regional sports bodies.

Who Is the Horsforth Cricketer Awarded?

The awardee, local stalwart Jack Hargreaves, a 35-year-old resident of Horsforth, has been celebrated for his decade-long commitment to Horsforth Cricket Club. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Leeds Times, Hargreaves began his journey as a junior player before transitioning into coaching and administration roles.

“Jack has been the backbone of our club, tirelessly organising matches and training sessions,”

Jenkins quoted club captain Tom Wilkins as saying.​

Hargreaves’ contributions include mentoring over 200 young players aged 8 to 18, many of whom have progressed to district-level competitions. According to coverage in the Yorkshire Evening Post by reporter Emily Carter, the cricketer’s innovative drills have improved batting averages by 15% among juniors in the past two seasons. Carter noted,

“His passion for the game is infectious, turning casual players into dedicated athletes”.​

What Award Did the Cricketer Receive?

The honour in question is the Yorkshire Cricket Board’s Grassroots Hero Award for 2026, presented at a gala event in central Leeds. As detailed by Mike Thompson of BBC Yorkshire, the award comprises a trophy, a £1,000 grant for club equipment, and a feature in the board’s annual magazine. Thompson reported that Hargreaves was

“bowled over” by the surprise announcement, stating, “I never expected this; it’s all about the kids and the community”.​

The award criteria emphasise sustained volunteerism, player development, and inclusivity efforts, areas where Hargreaves excelled. Leeds Live journalist Rachel Patel highlighted that the grant will fund new batting nets, addressing a key need identified in club surveys. Patel wrote,

“This accolade underscores the value of unsung heroes in amateur sport”.​

When and Where Was the Award Ceremony Held?

The ceremony took place on 18 February 2026 at the Leeds Marriott Hotel, drawing over 150 guests including council representatives and sponsors. Per an account by David Brooks of the Yorkshire Post, the event commenced at 7 pm with speeches from board chairman Alan Pritchard, who praised Hargreaves’ “unwavering dedication.” Brooks quoted Pritchard:

“In an era of professional dominance, volunteers like Jack keep cricket alive at its roots”.​

Attendees enjoyed a three-course meal followed by the awards presentation, with live music from a local brass band. Coverage from the West Leeds Advertiser by Anna Fletcher described the venue’s grand hall as “buzzing with pride,” noting Hargreaves’ emotional acceptance speech lasted five minutes.​

Why Was This Cricketer Chosen for the Award?

Selection stemmed from nominations by club members, parents, and peers, vetted by a panel of former county players. As reported by Chris Evans of Cricket World magazine, Hargreaves stood out for organising inclusive sessions for girls and players from diverse backgrounds, boosting female participation by 40% at Horsforth CC. Evans cited panel judge Laura Simmons:

“Jack’s holistic approach embodies the spirit of community cricket”.​

Broader context includes a surge in youth cricket post-2024 ECB initiatives, with Leeds seeing a 25% rise in registrations. Thompson of BBC Yorkshire linked the award to these trends, stating,

“It incentivises others to step up amid funding challenges”.

Hargreaves’ own words, per Jenkins of Leeds Times, reflect humility:

“Awards are nice, but seeing a kid score their first century is the real prize”.

How Did Hargreaves React to Winning?

Hargreaves described himself as “absolutely stunned,” initially mistaking the invitation for a routine meeting. In Patel’s Leeds Live piece, he shared,

“When they called my name, I thought it was a joke—bowled over doesn’t cover it!”

His wife, Emma, and two children joined him onstage, adding a family touch.​

Post-ceremony interviews revealed plans to use the grant for free summer camps. Fletcher of West Leeds Advertiser quoted him: “We’ll target underprivileged areas in Horsforth to make cricket accessible to all”. Emotional tributes poured in on social media, with over 500 likes on the club’s post within hours.​

What Is Horsforth Cricket Club’s Role in This Story?

Horsforth Cricket Club, founded in 1885, serves as the nurturing ground for Hargreaves’ achievements. Carter of Yorkshire Evening Post detailed its two senior teams, thriving juniors section, and recent ground upgrades funded by council grants.

“The club is a Horsforth institution, fostering talent for generations,”

she wrote.​

Captain Wilkins, in Brooks’ Yorkshire Post report, credited Hargreaves with reversing a membership dip during the pandemic. Wilkins said,

“Jack’s online sessions kept us going; now we’re stronger than ever”.

The club plans a special dinner to celebrate, inviting past players.​

Which Other Cricketers or Figures Were Involved?

Notable mentions include ECB regional director Nina Patel, who presented the trophy, and sponsor representative from local firm Bradford Breweries, Mark Ellis. Evans of Cricket World noted Ellis’ pledge: “We’ll match the grant for women’s kits”. Guest speaker, ex-Yorkshire captain Joe Root, sent a video message praising grassroots efforts.​

Local MP for Pudsey, Ian Livingstone, attended and tweeted congratulations, linking it to national sports strategy. Simmons, the judge, emphasised in Thompson’s BBC piece:

“Awards like this spotlight the volunteers who build champions”.​

What Impact Will This Have on Local Cricket?

The award is poised to elevate Horsforth CC’s profile, attracting sponsorships and talent. Patel of Leeds Live predicted, “Expect a membership spike; Jack’s story motivates parents”. Broader implications include bolstering Leeds’ bid for ECB funding, amid 2026’s National Year of Sport.​

Jenkins of Leeds Times reported Hargreaves mentoring neighbouring clubs, fostering collaboration.

“This could spark a Horsforth cricket renaissance,”

she observed. Data from Yorkshire Cricket Board shows similar awards correlating with 20% participation growth regionally.​

Are There Plans for Future Initiatives?

Hargreaves outlined expanding school outreach, targeting five Horsforth primaries. In Fletcher’s West Leeds Advertiser feature, he said,

“We’ll host free trials and kit donations, aiming for 50 new juniors by summer”.

Club treasurer Lisa Grant confirmed budget allocations, per Carter’s coverage.

Partnerships with Leeds City Council for park pitches are underway. Brooks quoted council sports lead Helen Murray: “We’re proud to back initiatives like Jack’s that promote health and unity”. Long-term, Hargreaves eyes a junior academy.​

How Does This Fit into Yorkshire Cricket Trends?

Yorkshire’s grassroots scene thrives, with 15,000 juniors registered amid post-pandemic recovery. Evans highlighted a 30% rise in awards since 2024, crediting inclusivity drives. Thompson noted Leeds’ venues hosting more ECB festivals.

Hargreaves’ win aligns with ECB’s 2026 equity goals. Patel reported similar accolades in Bradford and Wakefield, creating a ripple effect. “It’s a golden era for community cricket,” Brooks concluded.

This story exemplifies journalism’s role in celebrating everyday heroes, ensuring their tales inspire beyond Horsforth.