Nottingham Forest
The Young Volunteer of the Year Award is a prestigious accolade given to individuals aged 16 to 25 who make a significant impact through their volunteer work in cycling. Caitlyn Beardsmore, an 18-year-old from Nottingham, has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the sport. With nearly eight years of coaching experience, Beardsmore has been instrumental in supporting various cycling programs in her local area, fostering the growth of the sport.
Beardsmore said: “It feels absolutely incredible. It feels great to be able to be recognised for the amount of work I’ve put in over the years.”
Beardsmore’s commitment extends beyond coaching, as she has also been involved in fundraising efforts for local initiatives. Her proudest achievement of the year was organizing a 24-hour charity ride with Abbey Road Primary School, which raised nearly £3,000. The funds were divided between the school for sports equipment and Young Minds, a children’s mental health charity.
She said: “My proudest moment of the year was probably the 24-hour charity ride we did with Abbey Road Primary School. We raised about just under £3,000 for the school for more sports equipment. So half of it went to the school and the other half went to Young Minds, a kids’ mental health charity.”
Beardsmore accepted the award at the 2025 British Cycling Awards ceremony held in Manchester, an event that celebrated contributions from all levels of the sport, from elite athletes to dedicated volunteers like herself. The ceremony featured notable attendees, including Olympians and Paralympians such as Beth Shriever, Anna Morris, and Jody Cundy, who were also honored for their achievements.
Beardsmore said: “It definitely inspires me a lot. To see that we get recognition for the things we do is incredible. It’s something that is really important and it helps encourage people to step up a bit more as well. I’m quite excited to get around talking to the other people here afterwards.”
The recognition of Beardsmore’s efforts highlights the vital role volunteers play in the cycling community. Her dedication and passion for the sport, combined with her academic pursuits at Nottingham Trent University, underscore the remarkable impact young volunteers can have in their communities. The award not only celebrates her achievements but also serves as an inspiration for others to contribute to the growth and development of cycling at the grassroots level.
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