“Keep climbing, don’t give up, and make every second count.”

Those inspirational words captured the spirit of the evening at the 20th Redruth Charity Trust Youth Sports Awards, held on Sunday 27th April 2025 at Pool Academy. Trustee Scott Watters shared them as a tribute to Jago Ford – a former Youth Sports Award winner (2012) and dedicated youth coach – whose recent passing was marked with a powerful round of applause from the audience. His example of resilience, positivity and service was remembered warmly, encouraging everyone gathered to carry that legacy forward.

The evening celebrated the many benefits of youth sport – for health, wellbeing and building inclusive community spirit. Each year, the programme recognises one under-18 member from every participating club who is “making a difference” through their attitude, progress or contribution. In addition to these individual honours, new kit and equipment is awarded to every club involved, rewarding and strengthening their brilliant efforts for the district’s young people.

This milestone year supported 24 local clubs – the highest number in the scheme’s history – with over 250 young athletes, coaches, volunteers and supporters filling the hall in celebration.

In recognition of his impact on the local sporting community, this year the Trust renamed its Youth Sports Coach Award in memory of Jago. Now known as the Jago Ford Shield, the award honours individuals who show the same spirit of encouragement, positivity and dedication that Jago embodied.

A Community Full of Hope and Positivity

The Trust was joined by special guest Perran Moon MP, who spoke with genuine warmth and pride about the town where he grew up. Recalling his own childhood spent playing sport in Redruth, he reflected on the enduring power of local clubs to shape young lives and bring communities together.

He described the evening as a powerful example of “hope and positivity for the future,” and said the sense of pride, encouragement and togetherness in the room was “everything a community should be.”

Perran went on to describe Redruth Charity Trust as “the jewel in the crown of our community,” praising the Trustees, club volunteers and sponsors for the extraordinary impact they continue to have on young people across the district.

A Trust Built on Partnerships

Chair of Trustees Chris Hailey reflected on the journey since the Youth Sports Awards began as a “pipe dream” two decades ago. Today, the programme supports more clubs than ever before – thanks to loyal sponsors, generous donors, and the energy of a new generation of trustees and volunteers.

Chris acknowledged long-standing sponsors, welcomed new contributions such as the Trust’s first legacy donation from the late Russell Grigg, and encouraged all clubs to continue working in partnership to show the impact of the Trust’s investment.

A True Team Effort

The evening was made possible by the support of many. Ali Durant of Pool Academy hosted the event, with Morgan and Matt from Cornwall Funeral Services providing AV and livestreaming. Special thanks went to Catherine 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, Tony from Cornwall Trophies for the spectacular awards, and Wilf from Prima Bakeries for supporting logistics.

The event photography was captured by Jasmine Bishop, a 16-year-old A-Level photography student and aspiring sports photographer, and a member of Redruth Judo Club.

Pool Academy students provided refreshments and baked goods, raising £195.50 towards their upcoming Kenya trip.

Trustees Scott Watters and Alan Jewell tag teamed as compere and Chair Chris Hailey accompanied Perran Moon to present the awards.

The Redruth Charity Trust team – Carly, Anna, Jennifer, Karen, Kerry, Monique, and Nigel – were also recognised for the dedication and coordination that brings the Youth Sports Awards to life each year.

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2025 Individual Winners

Harrison Atkins – Camborne/Redruth Motorcycle Club

Fletcher Burrows – Redruth United Youth Football Club

Jay Jonathan – St Pirans Amateur Boxing Club

Abbie Slade – Elevate Pencoys Youth Football Club

Antonina Sienkiewicz – Akagawa Karate Club

Isabelle Glaze – Redruth Judo Club

Jacob Penaluna – Illogan Junior Football Club

Jayden Fraser – Supreme Star Majorettes

Daisy Winkler-Irons – West Coast Academy

Harley Stevens – Redruth Cricket Club

Lowenna Phyall – Duchy Hockey Youth

Daisy Maxey – Lastonet Youth Netball Club

Sophie Ellingham – Portreath Surf Life Saving Club

Summer Morris – Redruth Archers

Isla Vivian – Gazelles Gymnastics Club

Maddison Deacon – Trelawney Twirl Team

Jago Mitchell – St Day Youth Football Club

Jowan Roberts – Wheal Velocity Cycling Club

Nikita-Jade Phaby – GMAC Martial Arts Club

Isabelle Stone – Carn Brea/Helston Swimming Club

Harry Roome – Redruth RFC Mini/Juniors

Heather Rostant – Cornwall Athletics Academy

Chloe Eddy – Redruth Tennis Club

Emily Harvey – Cornwall Athletics Club

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2025 Jago Ford Shield for Youth Coach of the Year

Ron Hill‘s tireless commitment to youth athletics has made a lasting mark across the county. Ron was instrumental in founding the Saturday Athletics Club, a grassroots initiative that became the Cornwall Athletics Academy. Under his leadership, the club has introduced hundreds of young people to track and field and nurtured volunteers, coaches and officials along the way.

Ron’s vision helped create accessible, inclusive opportunities for children as young as five, while also launching competition events such as the 5 Star Challenges and the annual Young Athletes Meeting. His passion, innovation and belief in developing others reflect everything the new Jago Ford Shield stands for.

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2025 Club Awards