Celebrating Student Success at the Bristol Rovers Community Trust Student Awards 2026
- Marc Lewis
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Last Friday evening, Bristol Rovers Community Trust proudly celebrated the achievements of our BTEC and Degree students at the annual Student Awards, held at the iconic Memorial Stadium.
The event was a chance to recognise not only academic and sporting excellence, but also the resilience, dedication, character and commitment demonstrated by our students throughout an outstanding year.
As students, families, staff, trustees, partners and special guests gathered at the home of Bristol Rovers, there was a genuine sense of pride and celebration. The evening reflected everything that makes our education programmes so special - providing young people with opportunities to grow, develop and achieve both on and off the pitch.
Hosted by BRCT Mental Health Lead Costa Chard, the awards ceremony was filled with laughter, reflection and well-deserved recognition. Awards celebrated success across our football programmes, including Player of the Season honours, alongside academic awards recognising outstanding achievement, commitment and personal development throughout our BTEC and Degree pathways.
For many of our graduating students, the evening also marked the end of an important chapter as they prepare to take their next steps into employment, further education and careers within sport and beyond. We wish every one of them the very best for the future and look forward to following their journeys.
Celebrating Community and Legacy
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of the sponsors and award presenters who supported this year's event. Their generosity and commitment help us continue creating life-changing opportunities for young people across Bristol and the surrounding communities.
We would also like to pay special tribute to the family of the late John Kayes. John was a passionate supporter of Bristol Rovers Community Trust and dedicated countless hours to raising funds and supporting our work. Many of our students benefited directly from events and initiatives that he helped organise.
Following John's passing in September last year, we were deeply saddened by the loss of someone who embodied the values of community, generosity and selflessness. Through the John Kayes Community Champion Award, we are proud to honour his legacy and ensure his commitment to helping others continues to inspire future generations.
Recognising the People Behind the Success
While the evening focused on celebrating student achievements, it was also an opportunity to recognise the incredible staff who support our learners every day. The dedication, care and commitment shown by our Education team continues to have a profound impact on the lives of young people across our BTEC and Degree programmes. Their guidance extends far beyond the classroom, helping students develop confidence, resilience and the skills needed to succeed in their future careers.
Alongside our educational provision, the team continues to deliver innovative health and wellbeing initiatives that are making a real difference across Bristol. From community health checks and prostate cancer awareness campaigns to CPR training and preventative healthcare projects, their work demonstrates the positive impact that sport can have on creating healthier and stronger communities.
Adam Tutton, CEO of Bristol Rovers Community Trust, said:
“Tonight is about you... Our students. The young people who have shown commitment, resilience and determination throughout the year. Each of you has faced challenges, worked hard, supported your classmates and continued to develop both academically and personally. Some of you have achieved outstanding qualifications, some have overcome significant barriers, and others have demonstrated exceptional leadership, character and growth. What makes me most proud is not simply the grades you have achieved, but the people you are becoming. The values you demonstrate every day – effort, teamwork, kindness and enjoyment – are the values that sit at the heart of our organisation and will serve you well throughout your lives and careers. Whether your next step is university, employment, apprenticeships or further training, you should leave tonight knowing that you have already achieved something special. You have represented yourselves, your families and Bristol Rovers Community Trust with pride. I would also like to thank our outstanding education staff, whose passion, care and dedication make these achievements possible, and to all parents, carers and family members whose support behind the scenes often goes unseen but never goes unnoticed. To every student here tonight, congratulations. We are immensely proud of you, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds. Enjoy the evening, celebrate your achievements, and most importantly, enjoy this special moment with your friends and fellow students. Thank you and Up The Gas.”
Award Winners 2026
Player of the Season and Sporting Hero Awards;
Boys 1st Team Player of the Season - Finley Palmer
Boys 2nd Team Player of the Season - Omar Saho
Boys 3rd Team Player of the Season - Vaughan Bennett
Girl's Team Player of the Season - Chloe Joyce (Sponsored by: Crystal Business Finance - SW)
Sporting Hero of the Season - Kyran Thomson (Sposored by: Crystal Business Finance - SW)
Academic Achievement Awards;
Academic Achievement - Owen Corrick (Sponsored by Bristol Rovers Supporters Club)
Academic Achievement - Peter Roberts (Sponsored by Bristol Rovers Supporters Club)
Academic Achievement - Max Warren (Sponsored by Bristol Rovers Supporters Club)
Academic Achievement - Mathew Bowering (Sponsored by Bristol Rovers Supporters Club)
Academic Achievement - Lacy Chivers-Hickton (Sponsored by Bristol Rovers Supporters Club)
Academic Achievement - Abdullah Munir (Sponsored by Bristol Rovers Supporters Club)
Community Achievement Awards;
Heart of Bristol Rovers Community - Dan Tutt (Sponsored by: Nevil Road Community Club)
The John Kayes Community Champion - Alfie Hill (Sponsored by: The Tote End Old Boys)
Degree Student (3rd Year) Awards;
Degree BSc Hons - Dani Arnal
Degree BSc Hons - Lauren Channing
Degree BSc Hons - Rhys Purnell
Degree BSc Hons - Chay Groves
Degree BSc Hons - Flynn Rawlings
Degree BSc Hons - Jed Avery
Degree BSc Hons - Harvey Jasper
Degree BSc Hons - Taylor Helliker
Degree BSc Hons - Sammy Phillips
Foundation Degree - Warren Adams
Our education programmes continue to play a vital role in connecting young people and families with Bristol Rovers while creating meaningful pathways into education, employment and sport. This season, our Post-16 BTEC programme supported 67 students across Years 1 and 2, while interest in the programme continues to grow, with approx. 170 applications already received for the 2026/27 intake.
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