Horspath Cricket Club News story

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Ashad scoops four Grassroots Awards

08 Oct 2025

Horspath's Ashad Ali was the big winner at Oxfordshire's 2025 Cricket Collective Grassroots Awards Ceremony at St Edward's School with successful nominations in four categories.
Ashad collected an Unsung Hero Award and Inspired To Play Award for his work at Horspath and Oxford University Club CC where he is also a member.
He also picked up a Coach Of The Year Award for Horspath and a Safe Hands Award for Oxford University Club.
Ashad, who managed Horspath Under 11s this year, was the only one of more than 60 nominees to receive four awards.
He also demonstrated his commitment to growing the game by launching a petition last winter for indoor nets at the Leys Leisure Centre in Blackbird Leys.
Ashad was thrilled and very grateful to receive the awards. 
He said: "These awards really reflect the time I’ve been able to give at Horspath CC and Oxford University Club CC, but I honestly feel it wouldn’t have been possible without the support, encouragement, and trust I’ve received from the clubs. That’s what kept me going and pushed me to give my best.
"It feels like a big honour, and I see it as recognition of the collective spirit of the people and communities around me rather than just my own efforts. 
"This has also given me a boost to do even more for cricket. I want to see more kids play cricket in coming years. 
"In particular, I’d love to see more state school kids have the chance to play cricket at higher levels, and I hope to play my part in making that happen."
The awards recognize and celebrate the tremendous amount of time and effort that volunteers dedicate to growing and supporting the game in Oxfordshire.   
The club congratulates Ashad on his achievement.