‘You can achieve anything when you work hard and enjoy yourself’. That was the message from Cornwall’s Chief Fire Officer to Redruth’s young sportspeople in a speech at Redruth Charity Trust’s 17th Youth Sports Award presentation on Sunday 27th March.

One of only four female CFO’s in the UK, Kathryn Billing worked her way right up through Cornwall Fire & Rescue. She described growing up in Illogan and leaving Pool School without a career plan, but explained that it was her passion for sport that forged an understanding of the power of teamwork and has been a constant throughout her career. With numerous sporting achievements under her belt, individually and in teams, Kathryn conveyed to the young people that there are no barriers stopping them from seeking their goals.

Kathryn joined Chris Hailey, Chair of Redruth Charity Trust, to present eighteen thousands pounds worth of new equipment and apparel to 18 sports clubs in the Redruth district with an under-18 membership, through the Youth Sports Awards programme. Nearly 200 members and representatives from the clubs gathered for the presentation ceremony at Redruth School.

The Trustees were delighted that the 17th awards scheme was able to be back on schedule, after the previous two years had suffered delays, and delivered in early spring. The new items requested by the 18 applying clubs were purchased by the Trust, via valued partner Cornish Granite Sports, and distributed on the night; these donations will benefit 2400 under-18s in the Redruth district.

Redruth Charity Trust extends its grateful thanks to the 27 local businesses that sponsor the Youth Sports Award programme, whose support has been crucial to this significant total investment and the Trust’s commitment to ‘Making a Difference in Redruth’.

Chris Hailey, Chair of Redruth Charity Trust, said:

“This was our 17th annual YSA year and our third in Covid times. We are thrilled to see clubs starting to recover and get back to some competitions, and we commend the clubs for all their hard work to adjust to all the restrictions and procedures. Young people have missed milestone events, many of which cannot be revisited; I believe they have lost out on opportunities and experiences, but the Trust is steadfast in its commitment to make a difference and support youth development through sport.

“I am sure that Kathryn Billing’s words of encouragement have sunk into the young minds present. Her story is truly an inspirational one, that of a Redruth girl who approached her career as she did her sport, working hard in union with those around you.

“I extend my thanks to Kathryn, to Redruth School for hosting the evening, to our procurement partner, Paul Hancock of Cornish Granite Sports, and to our sponsors. We retained 27 sponsors in 2021, withstanding turbulent business environment, three of which upgraded their tier, so the Trust remains strong to uphold our Youth Sports Award. We value all our sponsors who help us create this special collaborative community in Redruth.“

In addition to donating equipment, the Youth Sports Awards also celebrate individual athletes who have shown improvement in performance, attitude or effort in the previous year.  The Trust awarded a spectacular trophy and £50 voucher to one nominated individual from each of the 18 clubs in this year’s scheme.

A retiring collection raised £243 for Redruth Charity Trust.

Photos below kindly taken by Steve Barnes, Fal Photography

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2022 Individual Winners

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2022 Club Awards