Trio Shortlisted for Young Sports Star Award

The three finalists smiling for a photo.
Photo description: Agyemang, Littler and Perrin are finalists for this year's award.

Revealed 17 minutes ago

England footballer Michelle Agyemang, darts sensation Luke Littler and batswoman Davina Perrin have been named as finalists for the 2025 Young Athlete of the Year award.

The three finalists have been recognised for their remarkable achievements over the previous year.

Agyemang helped the Lionesses claim victory in Euro 2025, Littler claimed the world title for the first time, and Perrin burst onto the scene with a unprecedented innings.

Littler was the recipient in 2024 after his remarkable rise.

The three contenders were announced live on a widely-listened-to radio show.

The 2025 recipient will be unveiled on the annual sports awards show on the 18th of December.

The event will be broadcast from seven in the evening GMT.

Agyemang's Profile

Age: 19 Sport: Football

Only 90 days after her first cap for her country, Agyemang played a crucial and game-changing role in England's run to winning the Euros.

She came off the bench to score vital last-gasp goals in both the knockout stage games.

Her incredible contributions led to her being named the best young player at the Euros.

Later in the year, she was awarded the prestigious Golden Girl honour for the top young European talent.

She was also nominated for the Kopa Trophy for the global standout among U21 women.

Agyemang, who has been playing for Brighton on loan from Arsenal, sustained a serious knee injury in October.

"Being on the shortlist for this award is an honour," said Agyemang. "I'm grateful to God and I'm thankful for the support I've received from my family, coaches, team-mates and fans."

Littler's Profile

Age: 18 Sport: Darts

The year started for Littler in sensational style as - aged 17 - he became the youngest darts world champion in history.

He secured a commanding win over Michael van Gerwen in the final.

His later win at the World Matchplay made him only the fifth individual to complete the prestigious three major tournament wins.

His success continued - his victory at November's Grand Slam of Darts meant he ascended to world number one for the very first time.

At 18, he is the earliest achiever to do so, shattering the previous record.

"To receive a nomination for this award again is a big honour," stated Littler. "My victory in 2024 was a highlight for me and I've had another unbelievable 12 months. I want to continue raising the profile of darts."

The Cricket Sensation

Age: 19 Sport: Cricket

Perrin is one of English cricket's top prospects and rose to fame with an extraordinary and record-breaking innings in August.

Her sublime 42-ball century in The Hundred is the fastest by an English woman in T20s.

It also stands as the shared third-fastest women's T20 century in a top-tier competition.

Perrin finished second in the run-scoring charts and was named PCA Women's Young Player of the Year.

"I'm truly honoured to be nominated for the young athlete award," expressed Perrin. "It's a very special feeling. I hope it inspires more young women to get into cricket."

Media caption: Iconic acceptance talks from across the awards' past.
Meredith Quinn
Meredith Quinn

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