Former Essex fast bowler Aaron Beard is the recipient of the inaugural PCA Inclusion Award for his selflessness towards supporting the local community.
Beard was named as the nationwide winner of the award by the PCA judging panel from a shortlist of seven regional winners.
The 27-year-old, having been a one-club man for the entirety of his professional career, has played a crucial role in Essex’s various initiatives including supporting various disability programmes, and empowering girls and children from lower socio-economic background to take up the sport.
For winning the Inclusion Award, the right-arm pacer won a personalised silver-plated victory wreath-edge bowl from Mappin & Webb.
The judging panel, comprised of six personnel within the PCA, decided the national Inclusion Award winner based on the process which involved somebody within the professional game nominating them via a form on the PCA website.
Beard was joined by Oliver Hannon-Dalby (Warwickshire), Miles Hammond (Gloucestershire), Georgia Elwiss (Southern Vipers), Tom Alsop (Sussex), Anuj Dal (Derbyshire), and Tom Abell (Somerset) as winners within their teams.
The former Essex star had always been a front-runner in supporting and mentoring young cricketers coming through the ranks at his county whilst also leading his fellow teammates during signing and picture sessions after Vitality Blast games so fans can meet their cricketing heroes.
The 27-year-old bowler retired from professional cricket at the end of the 2024 season having represented his home county since the age of 11.
He finished his career with 108 wickets across all formats and was part of the squad which lifted the Vitality Blast back in 2019 along with three red-ball trophies.
The PCA Inclusion Award was introduced as an initiative to recognise current professional cricketers from the 18 men’s counties and eight women’s regions who have demonstrated inclusive practices in their everyday behaviour, who uphold their team’s values, and whose actions have significantly progressed inclusion both on and off the field of play.
The PCA aims to put inclusion at the forefront with an objective of rewarding members with a similar ambition.
Upon winning the PCA Inclusion Award, Beard said: “The reason why I played cricket was to be part of an enjoyable and happy environment which leads to a winning atmosphere where people stick through the good and the bad times.
“When I coach kids at all different ages, levels and abilities, I always say the number one priority should be the fundamental of enjoying it and then the skills will tend to improve faster and at a better rate. If you put too much pressure on yourself you will not enjoy it as much.
“I have done a lot of coaching in the community and put my hand up to try and help others where I can, whether that be younger people or people that are growing up trying to make it onto the same path as mine.”
PCA’s Director of People, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Donna Fraser, said: “I would like to congratulate Aaron and all other regional Inclusion Award winners this year. It is so pleasing to see the calibre of all candidates for the inaugural award which makes me excited for the future of this award.
“It also makes me extremely proud when I see so many active cricketers take inclusion seriously in the country and trying to make the sport a better place for everyone to thrive and enjoy in.”
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