“Enjoy sport for what it’s meant to be — fun.”
Those words from guest speaker Liam Norwell set the tone for the evening. It was a celebration of sport and the enjoyment, confidence and connection it brings to young people at the 21st Redruth Charity Trust Youth Sports Awards, held at Redruth School.
The annual awards once again shone a light on the many benefits of youth sport, not just performance and competition, but the confidence, friendships and resilience built along the way. Each participating club nominated one under-18 member who is “making a difference”, recognising not only talent, but attitude, commitment and contribution to others.
Alongside these individual honours, the Trust continued its vital support for grassroots sport by providing more than twenty thousand pounds of new kit and equipment to each of the 24 clubs involved, helping to strengthen opportunities for young people across the district.
With a packed hall and viewers joining via livestream, the evening reflected a thriving and inclusive sporting community that Redruth is proud of.
From motorcycle trials to athletics, boxing to surf lifesaving, this year’s winners represented an extraordinary breadth of sports and stories.
Across every presentation, a common thread emerged: young people going above and beyond, supporting teammates, volunteering their time, overcoming challenges, and leading by example both on and off the field.
Whether it was balancing GCSE studies with elite training, stepping into coaching roles, or simply showing unwavering commitment week after week, each recipient demonstrated the true value of grassroots sport.
The evening also welcomed special guest speaker Liam Norwell, who shared his experience of playing professional cricket for Warwickshire and England Lions. Reflecting on his journey into elite sport, from his teenage years as a pupil of Redruth School and member of Redruth Cricket Club, he encouraged young athletes to keep perspective:
“More than anything, just enjoy it. Enjoy sport for what it’s meant to be – fun. That’s why we play. And if you’re lucky enough to get the chance to pursue it as a career, commit yourself to it, graft hard, and you never know where it might take you.”
A Trust Built on Partnerships
Chair of Trustees Chris Hailey reflected on the continued growth of the Youth Sports Awards, now in its 21st year, highlighting a significant milestone:
- Nearly £400,000 invested in youth sports clubs through the scheme
- Over £580,000 invested across all Trust awards programmes since 1993
He also outlined ambitious plans for the years ahead, including a new ‘Spirit of Redruth’ sponsorship and supporters scheme (2026–29) and increased investment through enhanced sponsorship opportunities.
A key focus remains the continued growth of girls’ sport, with local clubs already demonstrating remarkable progress in participation and development.
Chris also announced a transition within the Trust, with Carly Clark set to take on a leading role in the Youth Sports Awards programme, ensuring strong continuity and fresh energy for the future.
2026 Individual Winners
Charlie Harris – Camborne & Redruth Motor Club
Jay Dugdale – Four Lanes Snooker Club
CJ Houghton – St Pirans Amateur Boxing Club
Poppy Barley – Lastonet Netball Club
Grace Wilson – Akagawa Karate
Senan Bennett – Redruth Rugby Club
Logan Fearn – Redruth Tennis Club
Kelsey Hollis – GMAC
Harriet Hood – Elevate Pencoys
Megan Price – Wheal Velocity Cycling Club
Cameron Williams – Redruth Cricket Club
Oliver Williams – Cornwall Athletics Club
Theo Entwistle – Carn Brea & Helston Swim Club
Leo Redworth – St Day AFC
Ella Gray – Duchy Hockey Club
Grace McDonald – Portreath Surf Lifesaving Club
Chloe Clarke – Cornwall Athletics Academy
Caeleb Dower-Mcoll – Illogan Junior Football Club
Sophie Blenes – Gazelles Gymnastics Club
Thea Adams – Redruth United Youth FC
Katie Chambers – West Coast Academy
Elliot McDonald – Redruth Archers
Arwen Ford – Redruth Judo Club
Sophia McKerron-Brading – Supreme Star Majorettes
2026 Jago Ford Shield for Youth Coach of the Year
The Jago Ford Shield recognises individuals who embody the spirit of encouragement, dedication and selflessness.
There was a moving moment as Rowann Ford came to the stage to present the award named in her son’s memory, before it was revealed that she herself would be this year’s recipient.
Rowann was recognised for her extraordinary contribution to Redruth Judo Club and the many young people she has supported over many years. A constant presence, she has offered guidance, encouragement and belief to so many, helping to build not only athletes, but confidence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging.
Always there and always giving, her impact reaches far beyond the sport itself, making her a deeply respected and truly deserving recipient.
2026 Club Awards
Redruth Judo Club – 18 rash guard tops, 25 drawstring shoe bags
Camborne & Redruth Motor Club – 22 polo shirts, First Aid replenishment, ice packs
Four Lanes / Pencoys Snooker Club – snooker cues, balls, dart set, First Aid replenishment
St Pirans Amateur Boxing Club – 30 vests, 30 shorts, 40 mouthguards
Lastonet Netball Club – 10 netballs, 35 hoodies, First Aid bag
Supreme Star Majorettes – 20 dress bags, First Aid replenishment, ice packs
Akagawa Karate Club – 20 track tops, First Aid replenishments
Redruth Rugby Club Mini-Juniors – training tops, balls, tag belts, First Aid kits, ice packs
Redruth Tennis Club – mini tennis nets, First Aid replenishment
GMAC – training equipment including blockers, mitts and gloves
Elevate Pencoys Youth FC – Dryrobes, goals, mannequins, First Aid kit, ice packs
Wheal Velocity Cycling Club – hoodies, First Aid kit
Redruth Cricket Club – playing shirts, windballs, First Aid replenishment, ice packs
Cornwall Athletics Club – 50 boot bags
Carn Brea & Helston Swim Club – electronic pace timers
St Day Youth FC – Dryrobes, goal nets, First Aid replenishment, ice packs
Duchy Hockey Club – balls, carriers, First Aid replenishment, ice packs
Portreath Surf Lifesaving Club – Motorola radios
Cornwall Athletics Academy – 65 t-shirts
Illogan Junior FC – ball carriers, flags, respect barriers, ice packs
Gazelles Gymnastics Club – balance beam, training equipment, First Aid replenishment
Redruth United Youth FC – balls, bibs, First Aid bags, ice packs
West Coast Academy – backpacks, First Aid bags, ice packs
Redruth Archers – gilets and quivers
A True Team Effort
The evening was made possible by the support of many. Thanks were extended to Redruth School and Headteacher Craig Bonds for hosting the event, Morgan Court and Matt Watters from Cornwall Funeral Services for AV support and livestreaming, special thanks went to Katherine Rogers of Cornwall Granite Sports for procurement of the masses of new kit and equipment, Paul Hancock of Cornish Granite Medical for procuring first aid kits and replenishments, Nick of Swingletree Designs for embroidery, Tony from Cornwall Trophies for the spectacular awards, Wilf from Prima Bakeries for supporting logistics and Howard Stevens for supporting floral gifts.
