Three Named as Finalists for Young Sports Star Honour
Revealed 17 minutes ago
English soccer star Michelle Agyemang, darts sensation Luke Littler and batswoman Davina Perrin have been shortlisted for the 2025 Young Athlete of the Year award.
These three athletes have been honoured for their remarkable achievements over the past 12 months.
Agyemang played a key role in helping the Lionesses secure Euro 2025, Littler won the world title for the maiden time, and Perrin surged to prominence with a record-breaking innings.
Littler was the recipient in 2024 after his sensational debut year.
The shortlisted athletes were unveiled on a popular morning radio program.
The 2025 recipient will be unveiled on the prestigious sports ceremony show on Thursday, 18 December.
The show will be televised from 19:00 GMT.
The Football Star
Age: 19 Sport: Football
Only 90 days after her first cap for her country, Agyemang played a pivotal and thrilling role in England's run to European Championship victory.
She entered the fray to score crucial late equalisers in both the knockout stage games.
These match-saving moments led to her being named the best young player at the Euros.
Later in the year, she was awarded the Golden Girl award for the finest emerging star on the continent.
She was also nominated for the Kopa Trophy for the global standout among U21 women.
Agyemang, who has been at Brighton in a temporary move from Arsenal, sustained a serious knee injury in October.
"Being on the shortlist for this award is a privilege," said Agyemang. "I thank God and I'm appreciative of the support I've received from my family, coaches, team-mates and fans."
The Darts Prodigy
Age: 18 Sport: Darts
The year started for Littler in sensational style as - while still 17 - he became the earliest-ever winner 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 player to complete the prestigious three major tournament wins.
And he wasn't finished there - his triumph in November's Grand Slam of Darts meant he ascended to world number one for the very first time.
At 18, he is the most youthful player to do so, smashing the previous record.
"To receive a nomination for the honour once more is a big honour," stated Littler. "My victory in 2024 was a special memory for me and I've had another incredible 12 months. I want to continue raising the profile of darts."
Davina Perrin
Age: 19 Sport: Cricket
Perrin is one of English cricket's most exciting young talents and burst into the spotlight with an extraordinary and record-breaking innings in August.
Her magnificent 42-ball century in The Hundred is the fastest by an English woman in T20s.
It also stands as the equal third-quickest women's T20 century in a major league or full member T20 international.
Perrin finished second in the run-scoring charts and was named the Professional Cricketers' Association's top young women's player.
"I'm deeply humbled to be named a finalist for the Young Sports Star award," expressed Perrin. "It means a great deal. I hope it encourages more young females to get into cricket."
