Our annual award celebrates young people who are transforming the lives of others, recognising those who are going above and beyond or overcoming huge challenges to demonstrate their love of dogs, and encourage others to become a part the dog world.
They could be giving up their time to mentor other young people, training dogs, fundraising or competing. Whatever they are doing, they have one thing in common – a desire to make a difference and improve the lives of dogs.
Shaun McAlpine Memorial Trophy
The overall winner of the Young Kennel Club Young Person of the Year award will be presented with the Shaun McAlpine Memorial Trophy.
The award has been presented at Crufts for over 39 years by Ed and Cindy McAlpine. The award is in memory of Shaun, who tragically died two weeks after his 22nd birthday in November 1984.
The trophy is awarded annually to encourage young dog lovers to become more involved in dog activities, as Shaun himself had achieved considerable success as a dog handler, competing at Crufts on many occasions.
Roll of honour
- 2024 - Emily Dabb
- 2023 - Izzy King
- 2022 -
- 2021 - Lewis Garstang
- 2020 - Ryan Hennessy
- 2019 - Paige Jepson
- 2018 - Lauren Ashby
- 2017 - Daisy Buckland
- 2016 - Charlotte-Louise Page
- 2015 - Oliver Beckett
- 2014 - Ryan Ross
- 2013 - Jessica Ward
- 2012 - Kian Pellow
- 2011 - Alice Moodie
- 2010 - Chelsea Hickford
- 2009 - Linzi Follet
- 2008 - Joshua Griffin
- 2007 - Georgina Ferguson
- 2006 - Stephanie Lansdell
- 2005 - Chantelle Prior
- 2004 - Jodie Harrison
- 2003 - Rachel Buckwell
- 2002 - Amy Holmes
- 2001 - Adam Rose
- 2000 - Jodie Harrison
- 1999 - Adrian Marett
- 1998 - Defrel Owen
- 1997 - Donna-Elena Hardwicke
- 1996 - Phillippa Noble
- 1995 - Dona-Elena Hardwicke
Young Person of the Year Award
Recognising outstanding Young Kennel Club members, and their dogs, who are making a difference to improve the lives of their canine companions.
The Kennel Club Educational Trust will be awarding £100.00 to all category winners then £250.00 for the final overall winner.
Vote Now for your Young Person of the Year Winner. Final presentation will be at Crufts 2025 to find out who’ll be the overall Young Person of the Year on Sunday 9 March
This year’s finalists are:
Inspiration – Anastasiia Salo
Awarded to a young person and their dog who have inspired others, either through their own personal journey or have made a significant positive impact in their community.
Anastasiia arrived in the UK in June 2022, along with her mum and dog, Chloe, having fled the war in Ukraine earlier in the year, and had spent many months in refugee camps and travelling as they waited for visas. While she waited to be registered in a local school, Anastasiia spent time practising tricks with Chloe, a Parson Russell Terrier, and the pair soon took up agility. The pair worked incredibly hard and, despite some initial setbacks as both adjusted to their new environment following months of stressful travelling and displacement, have qualified to compete in agility at Crufts.
Teamwork – Genevieve Barrett and Emma Stock
Awarded to an inspirational partnership or team of members and their canine companions that have overcome challenges to achieve together
Genevieve and Emma are both passionate about their favourite hobby with their dogs – Heelwork to Music – also known as ‘dancing with dogs’, through which the pair’s friendship went from strength to strength. However, the pair realised there was a lack of involvement in the activity, particularly amongst the younger age group. Recognising that it can be daunting for young people to compete against adults, they built the Heelwork to Music (HTM) Junior group – providing resources and filmed videos for young people who wanted to get involved, or improve in the discipline, and have doubled the number of young competitors for 2025.
Talent – Matthew Elmer
Awarded to a young handler or trainer who has shown exceptional skill and dedication in competing or training their dog
Matthew took up obedience with his dog, as a shy 15 year old, after his family welcomed a puppy, Tess, a Working Sheepdog, into their life. Since then, he has soared in confidence, and has since taken up the hobby with both Tess, as well as his own two dogs, Amber, a Working Sheepdog, and Purdie, a Border Collie, while also using the skills he’s learnt to help guide others who are new to obedience, through DIY sessions and at competitions.
Creative – Lilly O’Brien
Awarded to a young person who has creatively showcased their love of dogs through art, photography, writing, or social media
Combining her two passions – dogs and art – Lily creates eye-catching digital artwork which, following an ankle injury in 2024, she focused on creating for her peers in the dog showing world, helping them to memorialise and showcase their achievements and celebrate their wins. As well as her artwork, which has been described as “striking and memorable”, Lily also regularly volunteers at events and supports younger members with their showing.
Awareness – Faith Windsor
Awarded to a young person who actively promotes animal welfare or involvement in animal rescue, shelter work and/or awareness campaigns
Faith and her Autism Dog, Ember, a St Bernard, work together to educate and raise awareness of the work that Autism Dogs do, through school visits, at dog shows, and through speaking to members of the public when out and about. Ember is by Faith’s side throughout the day and helps to calm her down. Faith also has a fainting condition which impacts her daily life and Ember has learnt when an episode is coming so will make sure Faith is safe, and will help her following the episode as well as alerting Faith’s mum.