Published Friday, 6th March 2026
On Friday 6 March, we celebrated the borough's sporting role models at a special Sports Awards evening held at Reigate Manor.
Winners were announced in eleven categories - recognising the outstanding achievements of local athletes, teams and sports clubs; as well as the dedication of coaches and volunteers that keep community sport thriving in the borough.
This year’s worthy winners represent an array of individual and team sports, from golf, judo and trampolining to hockey, football and bowling. The 2026 R&B Sports Awards winners are:
- Changing Lives Award – Jamie Lowe, Merstham Bees
- Club of the Year – Totally Mama
- Coach of the Year – Claire Gardner, Max Force Trampoline Club
- Inclusive Sport Award – Warren Clark Golfing Dreams
- Junior Team of the Year – Merstham FC Sharks
- Senior Citizen Sport Award – Geoffrey Tozer, Ren Ryu Karate Club
- Sports Person of the Year – Andrew Jones, Max Force Trampoline Club
- Team of the Year – Reigate Priory Hockey Club Men’s 1st XI
- Volunteer of the Year – Liz Cargill, Horley Bowling Club
- Young Sports Person of the Year – Austin James Hunter
- Young Volunteer of the Year –Lucy Harvey, Westcroft Judo Club
Cllr Shelly Newton, Executive Member for Leisure and Culture, says: “These Sports Awards show just how important sport is within our local communities for people of all ages and abilities. Sport has the power to change lives and strengthen communities; as well as keep us healthier.
“Congratulations to all our winners whose successes and achievements have inspired us all. It’s clear that every nominee makes a remarkable contribution to sport in the borough; giving so much to their clubs and teams and encouraging others to reach their full potential.
“The awards would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and those who take the time to nominate. I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved.”
This year the council received more than 100 nominations and the judges had a difficult task choosing between an incredibly strong field. During the awards evening, The Mayor of Reigate & Banstead, Cllr Rich Michalowski, congratulated everyone on their achievements and contributions.
Winners on the night included Austin James Hunter (Young Sports Person of the Year) who has battled back from a life-threatening blood infection and the loss of both lower limbs for a truly inspirational sporting comeback in multiple sports, including winning a regional wheelchair tennis title.
The Changing Lives Award was presented to Jamie Lowe who founded Merstham Bees just over a year ago for under-17 boys and girls with disabilities and SEND needs. With Jamie as a coach the team has grown in confidence and ability and Jamie has been a mentor and constant support for families who often struggle to access sport. After collecting his award, Jamie said “It’s for the kids not for me. Of course it’s nice to get recognition but it’s for them. Being able to coach loads of kids along who really struggle in life is properly rewarding.”
Collecting the team awards were Merstham FC Sharks U14, where inclusivity nurtures confidence and builds exceptional teamwork; and Reigate Priory Hockey Club Men’s 1st XI, who made history by reaching the South East Premier Division.
The awards were supported by a number of local organisations and businesses, including Aberdour School, Connick Tree Care, GLL Better Leisure Centres, Little Kickers, PM Active, Reigate Priory Cricket Club, RETHINK, RLM Locksmiths, Run Reigate, Surrey Playing Fields and YMCA East Surrey.