Royal recognition for Sheffield sports club with prestigious award
The grassroots club has been recognised for its volunteer dedication to the community with an award equivalent to an MBE
A ‘vibrant, inclusive and family friendly club’ in Sheffield has won a prestigious award, equivalent to an MBE.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service was presented to Sheffield Caribbean Sports Club (SCSC) for 2026 for its volunteer dedication to the community.
Created in 2002, the award aims to recognise the outstanding work of local volunteer groups which often goes overlooked.
Over the past 60 years, the club in Ecclesfield has grown into a vital community hub for its members, becoming a pillar of social cohesion, health and sport.
Founded in 1965, by young Windrush generation pioneers who faced racial discrimination in local sports, the club has nurtured elite sporting talent.
Big names such as Devon Malcolm OBE, Uriah Rennie, the UK’s first Black Premier League referee and Trenton Wigan, a former Sheffield United footballer, all worked at the club.
This comes as the club embarks on an ambitious project to raise the funds to build a sustainable clubhouse, to increase its reach across local communities.
Through its own sports ground the club currently supports hundreds of its members in cricket, football, hockey and netball.
Its committed volunteers, some of whom are in their 80s, host youth and grassroots sports programmes such as African Caribbean Engagement and Holiday Activity for Food.
Chairperson Des Smith, was awarded the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ‘Unsung Hero Award’ in 2024.
He said: “Receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary service is an incredible, deeply humbling milestone for everyone connected to Sheffield Caribbean Sports Club.
“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.
He said: “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.”
In the coming months, Sheffield Caribbean Sports Club will receive the award crystal and certificate from Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire.
Volunteers from the club will also attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in the Summer in celebration of the award.