Louise Thorley receives award for contribution to Undercliff

The event was held on 18 November in the Howard Suite at Yorkshire County Cricket Club's Headingley Stadium.

It was a night of celebration and the award was a well-deserved recognition of the volunteers who support grassroots cricket across Yorkshire.

Thorley was deservedly awarded the Unsung Hero Award for his tireless efforts at Undercliffe Cricket Club. She has overseen a dramatic increase in junior participation while working tirelessly behind the scenes as Tea Lady.

Reflecting on the award, she told T&A: I never thought I would be nominated for this award, let alone win it.

“I don't consider myself a hero because that's just what I do regularly when I'm not at Undercliff, raising my kids.

“This is my life and only what I know and what I do.”

As for why Undercliff means so much to her, Thorley said:

“When we first started the junior section, there were just a few players, and now that number has grown to 60.

“I'm also happy to be the club's tea lady. It's great because I get to wipe their tears after a failed bowl, but most importantly I see the smiles on their faces when they do really well. “I love that whole atmosphere and being a part of that experience.'' ”

Louise Thorley volunteers as a tea lead at Undercliff (Image: Undercliff Cricket Club) But Thorley acknowledged that growth comes with challenges.

She said: “It has been really difficult to increase the number of juniors. My husband is the junior head coach at the club, so he is the one who has been going out to schools and working hard to get kids into the school.

“While it has been difficult, there is no denying that, it has been worth it for us to build community.”

Undercliffe Cricket Club will celebrate its 150th anniversary next year and Mr Thorley assured that it will be a great year for everyone involved with the club.

She said: “It’s going to be huge and we can’t wait to see it happen.

“We’re planning an All-Star cricket match, we’ve got a lot planned, from rock’n’roll bingo to New Year’s Eve celebrations at the end of the year.

“I’m really looking forward to it as we plan to hold events every month and it’s great to be able to properly celebrate this great club.”