2019 CPSA Annual Awards Evening Recognises Hard Work and Dedication in Clay Shooting

The Clay Pigeon Shooting Association Annual Awards were presented at a very-well received ceremony held on 2 February at the Belfry Hotel in Sutton Coldfield, where athletes ranging from Olympians to young shooters just emerging on the scene were recognised.

Richard Faulds, winner of Olympic gold in Men’s Double Trap at Sydney in 2000, was recognised with the year’s Special Contribution Award, while English Sporting Clays World Champion Richard Bunning was named Clay Shooter of the Year. Nineteen-year-old James Bradley-Day, who lost only to Faulds at the 2018 British Open English Sporting Championship, was recognised as Emerging Shooter of the Year, while 14-year-old Tristan Hockey was named Young Shot of the Year.

Grimsthorpe Estate Shooting Ground was named Club / Ground of the Year, having grown over 30 years from humble beginnings to become one of the best clay-shooting clubs in the country. Simon Arbuckle, head coach of Southdown Gun Club and a British Army Shooting Team member, was named Coach of the Year for his dedication in helping people to develop in the sport.

Sam Nunn was named Disabled Shooter of the Year for his performance both as a shooter and as supporter of fellow disabled shooters, while Julie Sperling was named Volunteer of the Year for her dedication to supporting disabled shooters.

The Ladies Clay Shooting League, which seeks to encourage female participation in the sport, was named Development Initiative of the Year, while the League’s organiser, Cheshire CPSA, was also named County Committee of the Year.

The CPSA Annual Awards night is a cornerstone event in the clay shooting calendar. Former EastEnders and Extras actor Shaun Williamson hosted the evening and helped to present awards that recognised up-and-coming young shots, coaches, shooting grounds, and grassroots organisations that promote the sport.

The CPSA is the National Governing Body for Clay Target Shooting in England, supporting clay target shooting enthusiasts across the UK and promoting the highest standards of excellence. The CPSA regulates the standards of safety and competition at over 300 affiliated and registered grounds around the country, promoting and organising national championships in sixteen different clay-shooting disciplines.