WBCC’s Cate Hayes presented with prestigious ECB Honour

There are some people who quietly shape a cricket club from the ground up. And then there’s Cate Hayes.

Cate has officially been presented with an ECB Honorary Life Vice-President Award for 2026, one of the highest honours in English cricket, recognising outstanding service and contribution to the game over many years.

The award celebrates individuals who have gone above and beyond to grow cricket, open doors for new players and make a lasting impact on their communities. In the words of ECB Chair Richard Thompson, the honour reflects “outstanding dedication to cricket” and a “remarkable impact” in helping make the game more inclusive and accessible.

Anyone connected with West Bridgfordians Cricket Club already knows exactly why Cate was chosen.

Cate’s journey into cricket started simply enough when her son wanted to give the sport a try. What began as a parent helping out quickly became something transformational. Cate saw opportunities to improve the junior pathway, create more opportunities for children and families, and build a welcoming environment where young players could thrive.

Two decades later, the scale of that impact is extraordinary.

From a club with a small junior section, Cate has helped shape one of the biggest and most vibrant junior cricket programmes in Nottinghamshire, now supporting around 400 young cricketers across all age groups. Friday night training, Sunday morning sessions, junior fixtures, coach support, parent communication, administration, league organisation – Cate has had a hand in all of it.

During the summer months, there are very few days when Cate is not at the club in some capacity. Organising junior cricket on this scale is a monumental task, yet Cate somehow manages it with endless energy, warmth and determination.

Cate has also played a huge role in the growth of women’s and girls’ cricket, both at WBCC and across the wider game. Through her work with the East Midlands Women’s Cricket League and her commitment to creating opportunities for female players, participation has grown year on year. Many young players have taken their first steps into women’s cricket thanks to Cate’s encouragement and support.

The award was presented at the ECB Annual General Meeting and Whole Game Conference at Edgbaston, a fitting stage to celebrate somebody who has given so much to the game.

For everyone connected with West Bridgfordians, the honour feels richly deserved.

Cricket clubs rely on people who give their time, heart and energy without ever asking for recognition. Cate has done that for more than 20 years and has changed countless lives along the way.

Congratulations, Cate, this award could not have gone to a more deserving person.