Nottingham Forest
Caitlyn Beardsmore, a young and dedicated cyclist from Nottingham, has been named the Young Volunteer of the Year at the 2025 British Cycling Awards. At just 18 years old, Beardsmore has already made a remarkable impact on her community by volunteering as a coach with Nottingham Clarion and Beeston Road Club. Her efforts have helped countless children discover the joy of cycling through weekly after-school sessions at Abbey Road Primary School.
Caitlyn Beardsmore said: “It feels incredible. I didn’t expect it at all. It feels really good to be recognised for the things that I’ve done. I’ve always had a passion for coaching people and helping them to get better at cycling. It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was a child. I’m currently doing a Primary Education Qualification at university and that’s something that goes hand-in-hand with that. My old primary school teacher, Helen Dussek, who is also one of the coaches at Nottingham Clarion, was originally the one who inspired me. She started a bike club at the primary school and it’s been going before I started and created so many opportunities for the students there because there were trips and residentials around it and I hope that eventually I can do something similar and set up a bike club at whatever primary school I end up teaching at. We’d have day trips practicing skills that were transferable not only to racing but cycling more broadly and that fed into Nottingham Clarion and Beeston Racing as well.”
Beardsmore’s journey into volunteering began four years ago, and her commitment to the sport and community has not gone unnoticed. Her involvement in organizing events like the 24-hour charity bike ride at Abbey Road Primary School highlights her dedication to fostering a love for cycling among young students. The event allowed each class to ride around a 1km track at their own pace, providing an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all participants.
The recognition from the British Cycling Awards underscores the transformative impact Beardsmore has had on the lives of many young cyclists. Her story is a testament to the power of volunteering and the positive influence one individual can have on a community. As Beardsmore continues her studies at Nottingham Trent University, her passion for coaching and education remains intertwined, promising a bright future in both fields.
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