Futures Awards evolves as Lodders extend

The PCA and Lodders are elevating the Futures Awards with a brand new format for 2024.

The 2024 PCA Futures Awards, in association with Lodders, will take place on Tuesday, 10 December 2024 at the law firm’s newest office as selected finalists travel to Birmingham and compete against each other to win the monetary prizes.

The latest edition of the awards will bring a different format to make them even bigger than the previous iterations.

Finalists will attend the whole day, starting with a presentation from each of them to a combined panel comprising of PCA and Lodders staff.

The finalists from the day will also each share their personal development achievements over the past 12 months.

The second half of the day will comprise of individual breakout sessions, including a Q&A with the judging panel, a roundtable with Lodders staff and a chance to explore their office and meet more members of the team.

Lodders will present the Overall Winner with a trophy at the end of the day along with a cash prize of £3,000.

Applications for the awards open on 2 September and will close on 20 November before a panel made up of PCA and Lodders representatives whittle down the applications to invite the most deserving individuals to the presentation day.

Last year saw 20-year-old Yorkshire all-rounder Yash Vagadia declared the winner in the Academic Progression category whilst also being named the outstanding candidate at the Awards. Vagadia won £3,000 which went towards further personal development.

Vagadia won the Academic Progression award based on his time at Durham University where he was pursuing a degree in Biology and Chemistry, alongside mentoring other students.

Former Derbyshire wicketkeeper Steve Griffiths won the Business Impact category while Middlesex pacer Ethan Bamber secured first place in Community Spirit category. Both winners secured a cash prize of £2,000 each.

Lodders will also attend the PCA Futures Conference at the England football team’s training base, St George’s Park, in November and deliver a session to members.

The Futures Conference forms part of the PCA’s Personal Development and Welfare Programme (PDWP). The aim of the programme is to enable individuals to excel and develop sustainable performance within and outside of cricket.

Lodders is entering its fifth year in partnership with the PCA. The law firm first became a commercial partner in 2020, before becoming the lead sponsor of the Futures Awards a year later.

PCA Commercial Director, Rob Smyth, said: “The PCA is delighted to continue its long-standing partnership with Lodders for the Futures Awards.

“At the PCA, we are always striving to evolve in all aspects which could benefit our members, on and off the pitch. With a brand new format for the awards, we aim to bring the best out of all the finalists for their future personal development.

“It is always great to share our ambitions for the future along with an innovative and pioneering organisation like Lodders. Their support to the awards has been phenomenal.”

Lodders’ Marketing Director, Hilary Campton, said: “It is always rewarding being part of the Futures Awards and we are looking forward to rolling out this new format and to meeting the finalists.

“The PCA is committed to helping its members plan for their futures and we are delighted to play a small part in facilitating this important journey.”