Foundation awarded at Impact Of Cricket Awards 2026

On Wednesday 28th January, the ECB Impact of Cricket Awards took place in the National Space Centre in Leicester. The awards ceremony celebrated the exceptional work of volunteers, leaders and organisations who lay the foundation for millions of people to enjoy the sport.

It was fantastic to see Northamptonshire receive the Partnership Award as part of the East Midlands Counties group. CEO of the Steelbacks Foundation, Derek Styman, was in attendance to pick up the award alongside representatives from Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, and Leicestershire u0026amp; Rutland. Styman was thrilled to have been recognised on a national scale and is extremely proud of the work Northamptonshire does within its community. Upon receiving the award, he said, “It was great to be recognised in the Awards for our work with the other Counties in the East Midlands, primarily for our collaboration in the growth of the East Midlands Women’s League.

“Our work has seen the League grow from 21 teams in 2019 to 177 teams in 2025 and the impact on the female playing community is immense. East Midlands Counties were rewarded for the significant growth in the East Midlands Women’s Cricket League in 2025. The partnership was commended for its commitment to the development of young players in the shared talent pathway and the huge growth in opportunities as a result of this partnership. On a personal note it often feels like the team’s work goes unnoticed so it was special to be singled out for the difference we have contributed to.”  Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, and Leicestershire u0026amp; 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.