The qualities that define great athletes often have nothing to do with trophies.
Earlier this year, we opened voting for the Jack Petchey Achievement Award, inviting our membership to recognise the outstanding young people nominated by their coaches and sports heads across Gents Table Tennis, Volleyball and Basketball. The response was fantastic, and after a hard-fought voting process, we are delighted to announce this year’s winners.
As a Gold Tier Partner of the Jack Petchey Foundation, Stanmore Jafferys is proud to celebrate young people aged 11–25 who show resilience, leadership, personal growth and a genuine commitment to supporting others within our club and wider community. Each winner receives a certificate, a medal, and a grant of up to £300 for the club – funding they get to direct towards something that benefits their peers.
Huge congratulations to our 2026 winners:
🏆 Sportsmanship / Akhlaaq Award (Male)
Seyed Ibrahim
When hard work, consistency, and a big heart combine, you get every coach’s dream. Ibrahim, AKA “Ibi” shows up each week giving it his all, for himself and for his teammates. He may be a small Point Guard, but his voice resonates the loudest on the court, encouraging others to get involved, helping players during drills, and offering up his support to the coaching staff. Ibrahim is always willing to learn and challenges himself and others to be better. He’s a true sportsman
🏆 Resilience Award (Male)
Ali Hussain Sumar
The Resilience Award belongs to someone who understands that showing up is often the hardest part of the battle—and chooses to do it anyway. Ali Hussain Sumar is the very definition of that grit. Despite facing challenges that would easily give anyone else a reason to step away, Ali refuses to give up on his sport. Every week, no matter the obstacles in his path, he pushes through and shows up on the pitch with a determination that inspires his teammates and coaches alike. His presence is a powerful reminder of what true perseverance looks like. Ali doesn’t just play the sport; he conquers his challenges through it.
🏆 Young Volunteer/Coach of the Year (MALE)
Kadhim Virani
From academy player to international competitor, Kadhim “Kadhlo” Virani embodies everything SJ Volleyball stands for. Having risen through the SJVB Academy into the A Team, Kadhim has represented SJ on some of the biggest stages, including MAMT, Unity and King of the Court. Today, he gives back to the next generation as one of the Academy’s most dedicated coaches, investing countless hours into developing young talent and sharing the knowledge he has gained throughout his volleyball journey. For Kadhim, volleyball isn’t just a sport — it’s a passion that runs through his blood.
A huge well done to all three of our winners, and thank you to everyone who took the time to vote. As with the nomination process, the SJ Trustees and both gents and ladies ECs had no input into the final selection, the results were determined entirely by the membership’s votes.
We’d also like to thank all of this year’s nominees for the positive impact they continue to make within Stanmore Jafferys. Watch this space for more on how our winners choose to put their grants to use!
