Trevor Ward Foundation celebrates 20 years of helping young sporting talent

The Trevor Ward Foundation is bringing its work to a close after 20 years of helping children fulfil their sporting potential, with the final recipient’s name now added to its awards board.

Established in memory of the late Trevor Ward, a local teacher and keen sportsman, the Foundation has supported more than 100 individual award recipients and the junior sections of 12 local clubs.

Its grants have helped fund coaching qualifications, training, resources and equipment, giving young people opportunities to develop their sporting talents.

Trevor’s son, Tim Ward, said: “Putting the last name on the awards board has been a moment to reflect on everything the Foundation has achieved and, most importantly, the young people we have been able to support.

“We have had so many worthy recipients over the years. It has been a privilege to follow their progress, celebrate their achievements and play a small part in their journeys.

“The Foundation was established in Dad’s memory with a clear purpose: to give children the opportunity to fulfil their sporting potential. Seeing how the grants have been used, and the positive difference they have made, has always been the most rewarding part.”

Among those whose progress the Foundation has followed closely is gymnast Willow-Mae Calland, whose achievements include selection for the Great Britain squad and a recent bronze medal in Germany.

Over two decades, the Foundation’s fundraising has brought the community together through rugby festivals, cricket events, golf days, dinner dances, music festivals and theatre performances.

Tim paid tribute to the trustees, sponsors, donors, volunteers and supporters who made that work possible.

“Our trustees have contributed so much expertise, time and commitment over the years. Although the team has changed, everyone has played a valuable part. A special thank you must go to Keith Benton, Trevor Massey, Graham Nelson-Smith and Nigel George, who have been with the Foundation from the start and have been stalwarts in keeping its mission moving forward.

“We are also hugely grateful to the sponsors who supported our events, the individuals and businesses who generously donated auction prizes, and everyone who bought a ticket, attended an event or made a donation.

“Behind every fundraiser were people quietly giving their time, manning the barbecue, making tea and coffee, serving ice creams, running drinks stations on the golf course, providing music and helping with the countless jobs that make an event happen. It has been a real team effort.”

As the Foundation closes, its awards board stands as a lasting record of the young people it has supported and the community effort behind them.

“I would like to think Dad would have been very proud and humbled by what has been achieved in his memory.

“To everyone who has been part of the Trevor Ward Foundation over the last 20 years, thank you. You have helped create opportunities, encourage ambition and make a lasting difference to so many young people.”