News Collyer’s Sports Awards 14.05.2026

The winners of the annual Collyer’s Sports Awards have been recognised for their 2025/26 achievements at a packed ceremony held in Duckering Hall. There was much to celebrate, with each sport awarding respective ‘Player of the Year’ and ‘Most Improved Player’ awards.

Head of Collyer’s Sport Academy John Burroughs, who hosted the event, said: “These athletes developed high level skills in their chosen sports while demonstrating leadership, great teamwork, and an indefatigable commitment to training.”

Students who completed the HSLA (Higher Sports Leadership Award) and those who competed as part of Collyer’s TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Team) were also commended during the ceremony.

Deputy Principal Steve Martell, who presented the prizes at the awards, said: “Our basketball, football, hockey, netball, rugby and tennis teams promise to go from strength to strength as we continue to attract a golden generation of elite athletes from across the southeast.”

The Most Improved Player (MIP) for men’s basketball award (MIP) went to Sam Topliff, while Anashe Chiware was delighted to pick up the Player of the Year (POY). In women’s football the POY went to Olivia Ellis, with MIP prize won by Ava Theobald. In men’s football, the POY was awarded to Ollie Wells, with the MIP prize won by James Tobin. The hockey women’s MIP award went to Abigail Easton, with POY to Izzy Kirkland. The hockey men’s MIP prize went to Tom Smallridge, with Ben Humphrey’s POY. Martha Bonner won the first team netball POY award this year and Edie Howell walked away with the POY for this year’s second team netball prize; MIP women’s netball awards went to Greta Minchell (first team) and Esme Ferris (second team) respectively.

The Tennis (MIP) was won by Thomas Blakely, with Hugo Allessie-Rueda awarded with the Tennis (POY) trophy. The men’s rugby MIP award went to Adam Humphries, with Ellis Long delighted to win the POY prize.

Students were also commended for their outstanding contribution to Collyer’s sport. The Mia Craen Award went to Martha Bonner, while the Will Radford Award was presented to Ollie Thorne. John Burroughs said: “It is fitting that these awards, in memory of Mia and Will, kindly donated by their families, recognise two outstanding young athletes who are massively respected, work extremely hard to inspire others and who encouraged fellow players so brilliantly throughout the season.”

To wild celebrations, Collyer’s men’s rugby team and women’s netball team shared the Team of the Year crown.

Staff and students also said goodbye and good luck to much loved Sports Administrator Kelly Howell, who is leaving at the end of the academic year.

John Burroughs added: “Huge thanks to Kelly, for her excellent organisational work over the past ten years. It has been a pleasure to work with her and she will be hugely missed. Collyer’s participated in over 150 fixtures this season at the Under-18 competitive age group, and this would not have been possible without her and our dedicated team of administrative staff, coaches, officials, and drivers.

“Congratulations to all the students and their brilliant teachers and coaches on a very good season. We are confident that our sporting success can continue into next season.”

Photo credits – Tilly Stone