Charles Sweeney Cup - Sports Personality of the Year

Nominated by: Local Committees and National Organisers

Selected by: LR Leisure Principal Officers

An award for an individual who has demonstrated sporting skill or expertise in the last 12 months.

Introduced in 1967

The trophy is named after Sir Charles Joseph Sweeney who spent his entire working life at the Land Registry (like many of us!) and who in 1964 was awarded an OBE following his earlier MBE.

He was cited in that honour as Charles Joseph Sweeney Esq, MBE, Chief Superintendent, Plans Branch, Land Registry.

So he was one of the original Plannies!

Nominees:

Kez Shaw (Birkenhead)

• Kerry (Kez) is deeply passionate about promoting women's football.
• She founded the Birkenhead Women's Football Team to ensure the Kerr Cup could go ahead.
• Constantly promotes and recruits new players, encouraging more women to join the sport.
• Creates a welcoming and inclusive environment, helping break down barriers in grassroots football.
• A versatile and dedicated player who contributes in all positions when needed.
• Recognized as Player of the Tournament in the Kerr Cup and LR Player of the Tournament in the CSSC National Event.
• Won the Goalie Challenge with Peter Shilton despite playing in goal for the first time.

James McCrae (Nottingham)

• James has made an impressive debut on the LR Leisure athletics scene this year.
• Placed 2nd in the Capital Challenge 10k, a first podium finish for HMLR in this event.
• Won both the 800m and 1500m at the Track and Field event.
• Achieved multiple first place finishes in external races, including:
• Northern T and F League 2025 - East 1 South
• BMC Grand Prix - World Athletics Challenger
• MK5000 PB Special
• Langtoft 10K
• All results verified on Power of 10.
• Overall, James is having an outstanding year in athletics.

Carolyne McKay-Haigh (Weymouth)

• Carolyne McKay-Haigh competed in the English Open Pickleball Tournament.
• Won a bronze medal in the ladies 3.5, 45+ singles category.
• Placed 4th in the women's doubles age 35+ level 3.5.
• Competed in the Welsh Open Tournament, earning two silver medals in the age 35+ level 4.0+ category for both women's and mixed doubles - the top level for this age group.
• Even missed Sports Day to take part in the Welsh Open.
• Actively promoting Pickleball within HMLR, aiming to establish an internal competition in the near future.

*** WINNER 2025 - Carolyne McKay-Haigh (Weymouth) ***

Previous recipients of the Charles Sweeney Cup:

• 2024 - Mike Fletcher (Plymouth)
• 2023 - Tanya Bird (Nottingham)
• 2022 - Ellie Fretwell (Nottingham)
• 2021 - Nigel Smith (Durham)
• 2020 - Annie Williams (Swansea)
• 2019 - Paul Jordison (Durham)