Shawcross, the deputy principal at Mother of God Primary School in Ardeer, received the award at Cricket Australia's Allan Border Medal night for his outstanding work helping children of Sudanese background assimilate into the community by encouraging them to play cricket.

"I don't do the work I do to get awards but it is definitely nice to be recognised," Shawcross said.

"I've coached junior cricket for 16 years and have been involved in senior cricket for a while but this is even more special than winning titles as it's about something more than cricket and sport.

"I feel so privileged to have received such a special award and it will definitely encourage me to continue using cricket as a vehicle in which to help other people."

About 15 cricketers of Sudanese descent play at Sunshine Heights and Shawcross believes the experience of participating in team sports is invaluable to those who may have found it difficult to fit in when they arrived in Australia.

"Sudanese kids love sport and what better way to help them assimilate into the community than encourage them to play in one of our national sports.

"For me personally it has been sensational seeing these kids improve their English skills through cricket and learn to work in teams and it is so satisfying for me to be able to combine sport and education to help others."