Many people would presume that June, July and August are the busiest times of the year for cricket development and other staff at the LCB. However, I can exclusively reveal that all months are busy due the responsibilities we have these days, not least to keep funds rolling in.
After spending many months collating data, working with clubs and ensuring that our systems are robust, we have received the biggest proportionate increase in funding nationally and have achieved all our aims and recived our Performance Related Fee Payments (PRFP). However, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels, as, being a very large County this extra funding brings more responsibility and we have been, along with key members of the County Board, working out how best to align our resources to meet our needs. We are looking to enhance our operation in the key areas of governance, clubs administration through IT, coaching, affliation, communication and staffing.
We have continued to add to our team by employing more full time coaches to coach in schools and help develop the links between clubs and the Community. They will be managed by the current CDM's and will work within strategic Boroughs. At the time of writing we have 15 full time staff, soon to rise to 18 by September!!
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We will continue to accurately monitor and evaluate all types of participants within the game through schools and clubs, whether they be players, volunteers, coaches, managers or administrators.
Key Performance Indicators have been set set to shape the way we run our future business and will have a significant effect on all those people who run and play the game. More money will be made available if we achieve these. They are increased participation, accredited Focus Clubs, increased volunteer roles, increased coaching roles and enhance elite performers.
The agenda has been set by Sport England via the Government and, whilst we are still responsible for talent identification, running County competitions and effective governance, we are also charged with the task of helping to meet the health, participation and crime targets so craved by the authorities.
This extra responsibility has a knock on effect for our clubs, their leagues and the schools who have partnerships with them. For some time now, many people have been aware of “Clubmark,” Cricket Development Groups and Focus Clubs. This stems from the need for the sport to be funded correctly. Sport England will not accept or support funding applications from clubs that do not meet certain criteria. Clubs should, at the very least, attend the local CDG, be working towards clubmark and have ECB qualified coaches in a junior section. Every club has the opportunity to do this...those that don’t will miss out. Funds come from other bodies, not the LCB, and this message must be heeded.
The LCB has 108 Focus Clubs which will be reviewed in January 2009. If they do not meet the criteria, they can lose their status. By the same token, clubs can be added.
As a progressive sport, cricket is at the forefront in developing youngsters in this country. It is not fair to say that juniors do not play in schools and clubs, but it is equally unfair to expect juniors (and money!) to come your way if you sit back and do nothing. Be warned, it might seem a harsh message, but clubs in particular must be prepared to help themselves in today’s current climate. I expect a surge in popularity and hopefully, a surge in funding opportunities in the next few years-don’t miss out!
AN Hayhurst
Director, LCB
