Findlay Shaw, a 19-year-old from Gosforth, has been named Young Volunteer of the Year at the 2026 British Cycling Awards, presented by Lloyds, in recognition of his coaching and governance work with the sport.
Shaw, a Durham University student, will collect the award on November 14. He first became involved in cycling through his local club, Gosforth Go Ride, and earned his coaching qualification at the age of 14. He has since joined a strategic advisory group for cycling across the country.
Recognition for years of volunteering
Shaw said: "I'm really proud. It's nice to have recognition of all the work I've done. I think it also provides a platform for youth voices and will hopefully give them a bit more attention because it's always really important for young people to have a say in places that they historically haven't."
He added: "It's something I've been involved with my whole life. I have been cycling and been volunteering for so long, it's nice for all those years to be recognised."
Building youth involvement in cycling
Shaw was a member of Youth Parliament and is now in his second year studying International Relations at Durham. He remains on a steering group that looks at how young people can be more involved in cycling and has helped build the Youth Network, which gives them a say on larger projects.
He said: "It's really inspiring to see the different range of lived experiences and those people providing opportunities when they don't have to. I don't see my age as a barrier. In some rooms, especially if people don't know me very well, it might be, but once people get to know you, it becomes less of a thing."
Balancing university and coaching
Shaw's university commitments mean he can only return home occasionally, but he still coaches in Gosforth when he can. He said: "I go back occasionally if they need coaches and things, but I still try to be involved. I run more of the admin stuff. We've got quite a lot of new coaches."
He added: "We're developing more structures on how we can support those coaches. It still fits into my day-to-day life, but it's a bit less." British Cycling is encouraging more young people to volunteer in event, coaching or club management roles.
