The 15th annual Youth Sports Awards by Redruth Charity Trust was doubly remarkable. In 2020, the total value of sports kit and equipment awarded passed a quarter of a million pounds, directly benefiting under-18s in the Redruth district and, for the first time, the awards ceremony took place virtually, via Facebook.
For the past fourteen years, the event has seen hundreds gathered together physically in celebration, yet the Coronavirus lockdown forced a rethink as to how the Trust presented the awards for 2020. The Trustees felt strongly that the individual award winners deserved their moment to shine, and developed a digital solution.
In a broadcast on Facebook to
open the awards on Sunday 14th June 2020, Chris Hailey, Chair of Trustees,
said:
“We should have been applauding together in a packed sports hall, but we couldn’t let lockdown stop us celebrating our young people and sport in our district.
“Despite the challenges we face at the moment, sport remains a vital link in our community, and will be even more crucial going forward. It is important to acknowledge the volunteer club leaders working hard behind the scenes to find a way to return to their sport safely: thank you for your commitment to our young people.”
More than £20,000 of kit and equipment has been purchased by the Trust, via valued partner Cornish Granite Sports, and is ready to be distributed to the 19 clubs in this year’s scheme. The items awarded, along with the names of the individual winners for each club, are shown below.
Redruth Charity Trust extends its
grateful thanks to the local businesses that have sponsored the Youth Sports
Award during the 2017-2020 programme, whose support has been crucial to this
significant total investment and the Trust’s commitment to ‘Making a Difference
in Redruth’.
Redruth United Football Club
RCT YSA 2020 Winner: Jack Adams
The club said: “Jack shows unshakeable work ethic in training and preparation and exhibits a ‘first in, last out’ mentality. He leads by example and motivates teammates to be the best they can be. Jack inspires and aligns others to work together and finds a way to persevere when faced with obstacles and adversity. Jack demonstrates the desire and drive to succeed both on and off the field.”
RCT has awarded a Powapass TT10 passing machine and small gazebo to Redruth United Football Club, which has 85 members under the age of 18.
Camborne and Redruth Motorcycle Club
RCT YSA 2020 Winner: Iris Richards
The club said: “Iris Richards is the youngest of only 2 female competitors within the sport of Motorcycle Trials throughout Cornwall and has been member of the Camborne and Redruth Motorcycle Club since she was 8 years old when she first started riding trials on an electric powered motorcycle. Motorcycle Trials involves the skilful and challenging riding of a competition motorcycle over the most physically demanding terrain including rocks, mud and rivers, this sport is not for the feint hearted and requires considerable athletic ability.Iris turns up at every event in all weathers, the 2019 series of the Cornwall Oset and Youth Trials Championship sadly only experienced 2 dry events throughout the year, most events endured either heavy rain or worse but Iris was there at every event smiling and enthusiastic. Despite some falls and a few crashes she continues to smile and is one of the most pleasant young ladies anyone would wish to meet, she is courteous to all the Officials, helpers and everyone around her.The Camborne and Redruth Motorcycle Club are invited annually to host an Arena Motorcycle Trial at the Cornwall Country Fair and Steam Rally at Stithians showground. Here spectators are treated to a display of trials riding over cars, lorries, skips and pallet constructions and Iris is certainly one of the stars of the show, not just because she is the only girl but because of her ability and the amazing things she can do with a motorcycle.Iris currently is riding a 125cc trials motorcycle and has been recognised by the Camborne and Redruth Motorcycle Club Committee as the most improved rider in 2019, this is no mean achievement as consideration for this includes all adult and youth riders throughout Cornwall.Throughout the summer months the Camborne and Redruth Motorcycle Club hosts training events where, again, Iris is at every event and helps the Club Coaches with the training of younger riders and some adult novice riders who are often amazed at what a 13 year old girl can make a motorcycle do.Iris is a great ambassador to the sport of Motorcycle trials and it is a great pleasure to have her and her family involved in our sporting events.”
RCT has awarded 50 large boot bags to Camborne and Redruth Motorcycle Club, which has 50 members under the age of 18.
Redruth Judo Club
RCT YSA 2020 Winner: Tecca Ford
The club said: “Tecca is a remarkable young lady with the biggest smile on her face. She has fantastic work ethic and always puts 100% into her training and coaching. Tecca is a coach’s child and so much is expected of them, on and off the sporting arena, and this can be very hard for them. Tecca takes this in her stride and values her mum as one of her coaches, training partner and friend. One of the down sides of being a coach’s child is always being first at the club and to assist in the setting up and then being the last to leave: Tecca has spent most of her life at the side of, or on, the judo mat. Tecca has developed as individual, putting time and dedication into her training, travelling around the country. Along with Judo training, she also cross trains and fits rugby and football into her training programme. Tecca is not afraid of failure, in fact her success is because of learning to fail. She learns, she adapts, and then she tries again and again. Tecca doesn’t look for the medals to see her progress, she at how she performed and whether she could improve it. 2019 has been her most successful year to date. 2020 brings a new age band and already she knows she back at the bottom and has two to three years to work her way back up the judo ladder again. Tecca is an asset to the club, a fantastic role model and has the special talent to become a sports coach in whichever she decides to follow. It is brilliant to see many of the younger players looking up to her. Tecca is a respected member of the club and with her peers.”
RCT has awarded 103 t-shirts, 15 hula hoops and 24 rubber sports markers to Redruth Judo Club, which has 92 members under the age of 18.
Supreme Star Majorettes
RCT YSA 2020 Winner: Tamsyn Letcher
The club said: “Tamsyn is currently Reserve Senior Drum Major, well known within the troupe and with the committee members for being a very helpful and polite young majorette. She attends all fundraising activities and events that the troupe do all year round and proves a real asset to the team. Tamsyn is an outstanding Twirler, she always gives it 100% in practice and at competitions. Cat is very proud to be your trainer and keep up the amazing work. Well done!”
RCT has awarded 28 dress bags and a large portable speaker to Supreme Star Majorettes, which has 31 members under the age of 18.
West Coast Academy
RCT YSA 2020 Winner: Cooper Clark
The club said: “Cooper has been a student at West Coast Academy for many years, and for the last two years he has volunteered as Assistant Coach. He is nominated for this award in recognition of his ongoing support, enthusiasm and dedication towards all sports we provide.”
RCT has awarded 85 t-shirts to West Coast Academy, which has 600 members under the age of 18.
Redruth Rugby Club Mini-Juniors
RCT YSA 2020 Winner: Jarrod Hambly
The club said: “Jarrod has been an ever present for Redruth Mini Juniors since the age of 6 and has now progressed into his final season as a junior. An accomplished hooker who has a sound understanding of the game, he is loyal to the club and has developed over the years into a fine young man. Although a trialist, his skills and attributes are yet to be recognised by the County, something that will undoubtedly happen in the not too distant future. We are looking forward to seeing how he develops moving into Colts rugby next season.However, in addition to his rugby ability, Jarrod is also a successful cricketer, playing for Redruth Cricket Club and Cornwall Age Groups. His cricketing ability has afforded him tours to both South Africa and the West Indies with Cornwall. He is also a regular in County League 1 representing Redruth 2nd XI keeping wicket and ably handling the bat.As a Club we are very proud of individuals like Jarrod who represent their home town clubs in multiple sports.”
RCT has awarded 90 balls, 4 tackle tube sleeves and 30 t-shirts to Redruth Rugby Club Mini-Juniors, which has 260 members under the age of 18.
Illogan Junior Football Club
RCT YSA 2020 Winner: Corban Dowling
The club said: “A young lad who has been at the club from a very early age, Corban is now playing for our newly promoted U13s. The main reason for his nomination is he is one of our new coaches. We are very lucky to have young members coaching our younger teams, and Corban has been very successful helping to coach our under-6s. A tough age group but a rewarding one. He had many nominations from parents of that age group and we are very lucky to have him.”
RCT has awarded 130 polo shirts to Illogan Junior Football Club, which has 180 members under the age of 18.
Redruth Cricket Club
RCT YSA 2020 Winner: Callum Davis
The club said: “Callum has been a member of the youth section of Redruth Cricket Club since he was old enough to hold cricket bat. He has progressed up through the ranks via the rising stars, U11, U13, U15, 4th, 3rd and now into the 2nd team at the end of last season. He has represented Cornwall Schools Cricket from U11’s up to now the U15’s and has toured both South Africa and the West Indies with the County.Callum has also supported the Club Coaches in helping to develop the next generation of players by helping out at Junior Practice Sessions for the U11 teams.”
RCT has awarded 36 playing shirts to Redruth Cricket Club, which has 58 members under the age of 18.
Portreath Pilot Gig Rowing Club
RCT YSA 2020 Winner: James Belshaw
The club said: “James is nominated for showing endurance and commitment in Gig Rowing.James joined PPGC last year, quickly picked up the sport and has been a real asset to the club, representing the Junior crew in key events at many regattas over the summer and significantly at the Hayle U14 Championships where he contributed to the team coming a close second in the Plate series thrilling final. James is an athletic, strong, formidable rower who always gives 100% – on and off the water. He reliably turns up in all weathers and always with a cheery smile on his face (however early it is!) and is a brilliant team player and crew member. We can all learn a lot from James’ skill, positive outlook and commitment and are thrilled for him to be recognised here today.”
RCT has awarded 12 t-shirts to Portreath Pilot Gig Rowing Club, which has 12 members under the age of 18.
Redruth Archers
RCT YSA 2020 Winner: Ashton Sandry
The club said: “Ashton is very keen and willing to work to improve in his shooting. He is a good example of a helpful club member, willing to muck-in and get involved. Ashton has a very friendly attitude towards everyone and is a pleasure to have in Redruth Archers.”
RCT has awarded 12 gilets to Redruth Archers, which has 11 members under the age of 18.
Portreath Surf Life Saving Club
RCT YSA 2020 Winner: Kerenza Piotrowicz
The club said: “Through nipper and youth age groups Kerenza won numerous medals from Cornish and National competitions. Kerenza was diagnosed with Rapid Onset Adolescent Scoliosis, which caused high levels of pain, affecting all aspects of her life including walking, and underwent corrective spinal surgery. The recovery period has been long, but Kerenza was determined to return to training and competing, and subsequently qualified as a beach and pool lifeguard and volunteers with the RNLI.”
RCT has awarded 140 t-shirts to Portreath Surf Life Saving Club, which has 136 members under the age of 18.
Wheal Velocity Cycling Club
RCT YSA 2020 Winner: Jake Rowell
The club said: “Jake has always enjoyed and been involved with sport, participating in rugby, football, running, judo and triathlons, but his real love has blossomed in cycling. He has developed with the help of Wheal Velocity Cycling Club into one of the best all round riders in the South West, proving himself on the road, track and time trialling. This year Jake has been selected to join British Cycling’s Regional School of Racing to develop into an even more complete and stronger rider. Not only is he involved with the competitive side of the sport but Jake also enjoys helping, encouraging and supporting the younger and news members of the team and club.”
RCT has awarded 58 tracksuit bottoms to Wheal Velocity Cycling Club, which has 58 members under the age of 18.
St Day Youth Football Club
RCT YSA 2020 Winner: Perryn Clarke
The club said: “Perryn is always around the club helping out with whatever is needed. When at training he is always very helpful, getting in the goals and picking items up. He plays outfield but is never afraid to play in different positions, including in goal. Due to a family member’s illness, he, along with his sister, raised over £200 for the Sunrise appeal charity by making and selling Christmas decorations in their school and at the football club.”
RCT has awarded 30 Substitute Long Jackets to St Day Youth Football Club, which has 180 members under the age of 18.
Redruth Tennis Club
RCT YSA 2020 Winner: Rhiana Buckley
The club said: “Rhiana shows dedication to the sport by showing commitment to training, supporting competitions and taking part in league tennis for junior and adult leagues. Rhiana is a great representative for Redruth Tennis Club and also competes in the Cornwall County Girls Tennis Squad.”
RCT has awarded 80 Quarter Zip Fleece Jackets to Redruth Tennis Club, which has 84 members under the age of 18.
Gazelles Gymnastics Club
RCT YSA 2020 Winner: Lily Dowling
The club said: “Lily has been a member of the Gazelles Gymnastics Club since January 2012 when she was 6yrs old. She joined as a recreational gymnast and moved into the competition squad when she was 9 when she entered her first county competition. Since then Lily has made very good progress with some very good individual and team results. During this time Lily has also taken her County Grades each year passing each one with Highly Commended. Her confidence as a competitive gymnast has also grown which was highlighted last October when she was selected to compete for Cornwall in the South West Inter Counties competition in Dorset gaining her county colours.As well as training 3 days a week Lily also helps coach our younger gymnasts which is a big asset to the club. Lily is very well liked by her fellow gymnasts and coaches alike.”
RCT has awarded 60 t-shirts and 20 backpacks to Gazelles Gymnastics Club, which has 165 members under the age of 18.
Carn Brea Helston Swimming Club
RCT YSA 2020 Winner: George Ward
The club said: “George has been a brilliant young member of our Club, he is a serious competitor and an ambitious young man, he always gives his best, listens to his coaches and commits to working hard in training. His hard work is now starting to pay dividends, he is just bubbling under that converted Regional Qualifying Time which should not be far away.George has shown he is a great team player travelling with the Team for National Arena League Competitions. George has shown his strength and resilience leading off the boys under-15 team and then swimming up for the Open Men’s Relays.George was awarded the Boys Junior Captaincy last summer and has worked hard in this role supporting many younger swimmers at County Competitions. On Monday nights he is always on poolside working as an Aquatic Helper taking registers, preparing equipment for the younger learn to swim squad members and assisting swim teachers demonstrating technique.George is very worthy winner of the Youth Sports Award.”
RCT has awarded 75 polo shirts to Carn Brea Helston Swimming Club, which has 132 members under the age of 18.
Duchy Hockey Club
RCT YSA 2020 Winner: Lily Butterworth
The club said:“Lily has been playing hockey for two years and has risen swiftly through the juniors into the Duchy ladies seconds league team. Lily is a quiet but deadly goal machine, showing amazing composure when striking. She made her debut for the ladies first team in the Cornwall cup, chipping the ball over the Newquay keeper for a fantastic goal to open her account. An ever present member at training, Lily is a joy to coach and just loves her hockey!”
RCT has awarded 2 sets of mini cones, 24 dimple balls and 48 bibs to Duchy Hockey Club, which has 200 members under the age of 18.
Cornwall Athletic Club
RCT YSA 2020 Winner: Micho Tao
The club said:“Micho joined Cornwall Athletic Club in 2018. Right from the start, even at a young age, it was noticeable that Micho was a rare talent and with the help from his coach, Mandy Sinden, he quickly progressed in the 100m and 200m sprints.After entering a number of competitions with good results, Micho ended the 2019 track & field season in the under 15’s age group as number one in the South West for the 100m & 200m sprints and UK number five, again the 100m & 200m sprints.Apart from his athletic ability, Micho is a talented drummer in a band, so future prospects look extremely good for this talented and likeable young man.”
RCT has awarded 110 t-shirts to Cornwall Athletic Club, which has 200 members under the age of 18.
Radnor Royals Youth Golf Club
RCT YSA 2020 Winner: Maxwell Eva
The club said: “Maxwell has been nominated for a number of reasons. Firstly he, like so many young golfers, need to find the time to not only attend individual lessons but also the time to commit to practising and playing if they are to improve. Maxwell is very good at other sports and academically committed to school work, yet finds the enthusiasm and determination to excel in his golf skill development program, so much so that, in a very short period of time, he has achieved quite a remarkable level of improvement since starting. I have no doubt he will play a key part in future junior teams at the club and go on to represent the county as well in the future. Great start Maxwell, well deserved in your nomination and all the best in the future as you win other awards and competitions in golf at Radnor and beyond.”
RCT has awarded 6 smash bags to Radnor Royals Youth Golf Club, which has 9 members under the age of 18.
YSA KIT IN USE:
Cornwall Athletic Club
Cornwall Athletic Club
Camborne Redruth Motor Club
