A fantastic crowd gathered at Dorney Lake on Friday 10 October, for a celebration of the achievements of local young athletes and the invaluable support behind them.
One of the standout moments of the day was the recognition of Rebecca Longman. Rebecca was honoured for her exceptional achievements in softball. The softball prowess runs strong in the Longman family as three years prior, we gave a SportsAid grant to her older sister Megan (with Greg Whyte)
Rebecca, who has recently been selected for the GB U18 Women’s Softball Team, represented Great Britain at the U18 European Championships in Pamplona, Spain. She also plays for The Heat in the GB Fast Pitch League, further cementing her status as one of the top emerging talents in the sport.
Her journey has taken her across Europe, working with teammates from diverse backgrounds, competing in major stadia, and gaining invaluable international experience that has shaped her as an athlete.
Support from SportsAid has played a key role in Rebecca’s development, helping with essential travel, equipment, expert coaching, and providing unforgettable opportunities, such as attending the SportsAid Live event at Twickenham.
A special thanks to Matthew Hoggard MBE for sharing his inspirational and humbling insights into his cricketing career, ahead of the Ashes in Australia.
A huge thanks also to all the organisers, sponsors, and guests who helped make this event a success. Their contributions continue to inspire the next generation of athletes, ensuring the future of sport remains bright.







