Yorkshire volunteer groups receive King's Awards

A Caribbean sports club, a community library, and a group that runs inclusive club nights for disabled young people have been given a royal award for voluntary service.

Sheffield Caribbean Sports Club, Broomhill Community Trust and Exclusively Inclusive in Skipton all received the award, which is equivalent to an MBE.

The King's Award for Voluntary Service, which recognises outstanding contributions to communities, was given to 250 UK charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups in 2026.

The chair of Sheffield Caribbean Sports Club, which was founded in 1965 to overcome social barriers and racial discrimination in local sport, Des Smith, said it was a "deeply humbling milestone".

"This award belongs to every single volunteer who has given their time, energy and heart to keep this institution alive and thriving over the past 60 years.

"From those original pioneers who laid the foundation to our modern youth coaches, groundskeepers and committee members – this is a celebration of our shared passion, resilience and love for our community," he said.

The Ecclesfield-based club supports hundreds of participants across cricket, football, hockey, netball and community health and wellbeing initiatives.

The UK's first black Premier League referee Uriah Rennie, former Sheffield United footballer Trenton Wigan and cricketer Devon Malcolm OBE all worked at the club and in 2023 chair Des Smith received the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero Award.

The King's Award for Voluntary Service was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of King Charles.

They are announced annually on 14 November, the King's birthday.

Also in Sheffield, volunteers at Broomhill Community Library were awarded for their work sharing learning, heritage and wellbeing experiences with residents.

Chair Lindsey Beagles said she was delighted and honoured the commitment of the volunteers had been recognised.

"It pays a wonderful tribute to all those who have contributed to our endeavour and successes over the last 12 years," she said.

In North Yorkshire, Craven-based community organisation Exclusively Inclusive was honoured for 15 years of work creating a "community of connections", it said.

The friendship-focused group runs activities include inclusive club nights for disabled young people, an allotment group, sports and women's groups.

Oliver Webster, who has volunteered at Exclusively Inclusive since 2016, said it was a community where "people are valued and included".

"One of the most rewarding things has been seeing people connect and develop strong friendships that last for years and continue well beyond the group itself," he said.

Coordinator Katie Peacock said it was an emotional moment.

"Everybody's really overwhelmed, so delighted and excited. This award belongs to all of us - no single person could have achieved what we could have achieved together," she said.

Baildon-based Wesleys Community Hub also received the award for its work with children and elderly people.

The Baildon Methodist Church group said it "couldn't be prouder" of its many volunteers.

"We couldn't function without so many people giving us their time and their skills, always with a big heart and a friendly smile," a spokesperson said.

As part of the awards, volunteers from the groups will be invited to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2027.

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