BE Awards 2025: Mansoor Ahmed Media/Photographer of the Year
Ainsley Wilkins is the winner of the 2025 Mansoor Ahmed Media/Photographer of the Year award.
Over the past two to three years, Ainsley has photographed numerous players across both the junior and senior sections of the Essex Rebels programme.
Entirely self-taught as a volunteer and working with a second-hand camera, he has developed an exceptional standard of photography, consistently producing high-quality images that capture the spirit of the game.
His work is highly valued throughout the community, with many people keen to have him attend their games.
In addition to match photography, Ainsley generously gives his time to take official team and individual photographs, ensuring players and teams are documented to a professional standard.
He also volunteers at the club's media day, supports the Cancer Bae tournament, and attends countless fixtures throughout the season.
Basketball England's PR and Communications Manager, Ian Cawthorne, said:
"Congratulations to Ainsley for this achievement and for the impact that his work has had to those in Essex and beyond.
"As a volunteer, his commitment and dedication is impressive, and the hours dedicated to not only attending fixtures, activities and events but also to edit his work, shouldn't be understated.
"He has a clear skill for capturing the emotion that makes our sport so celebrated and unique, and I wish him all the best in the future."
Ainsley's recognition continues a 10-day period where national recipients of the 2025 Basketball England Awards will be announced, covering work from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.
Winners from across BE's 10 regions were announced across April and May, with those recipients then shortlisted to narrow down the field for each national winner.
Ainsley and others will be recognised for their achievements over the coming days, leading up to another cohort of selections being celebrated with their 'Services to Basketball' awards on Wednesday, 1 July 2026.
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