Kelly Castle, formerly of Essex Women, has been shortlisted for a PCA Futures Award in recognition of her proactiveness off the field.
The PCA Futures Awards include a shortlist of PCA members who have been the most proactive and present players who have engaged in activities beyond the field in the past 12 months.
In association with Lodders, the awards are celebrating their thirteenth edition of the personal development initiative with seven PCA members shortlisted for accolades.
Competing across three categories are Fi Morris (Leicestershire) and Chad Barrett (former Northamptonshire) in the Business Impact category. Jack Leaning (Sussex) and Naomi Dattani (Hampshire) are named as finalists in the Community Spirit category with Kelly Castle (former Essex) and a joint application from Keith Barker (Warwickshire) and Chris Wright (former Leicestershire) in the Lifelong Learning category.
The overall winner will be presented with a trophy as well as a record cash prize of £5,000 as well as £2,500 to the two category winners.
In the last 12 months, Castle has undertaken her second MSc in Psychology and Mental Health and Wellbeing which has deepened her understanding of the process involved in being a professional cricketer. Having also applied to the Awards last year, the 28-year old has also developed Kelly Castle Coaching specialising in one-to-one and group sessions.
The business is dedicated to developing players’ technical skills, mindset and confidence through utilising her skills as a professional cricketer. Kelly Castle Coaching will launch in Easter 2026.
Castle, made her debut in 2011 dedicating more than fourteen years to Essex Cricket, making a total of 131 appearances across all formats.
A trailblazer of the women’s game in Essex, she became the first women’s professional player for Essex County Cricket Club and at the 2025 End of Season Awards Gala she was announced as the first capped female player for the Club.
Everyone at Essex County Cricket Club would like to congratulate Kelly on being shortlisted for the PCA Futures Awards!
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