YORKSHIRE CRICKET BOARD

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

FEBRUARY 2015

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE YORKSHIRE CRICKET BOARD, 2014

Executive Summary

2014 will no doubt go down in the annals of history as the year of major change in Yorkshire Cricket and in particular for the Yorkshire Cricket Board.

Ian Chappell (Chief Executive) retired on 31st March 2014 after a long and very distinguished service of 30 years for the Yorkshire Cricket Association and of course the Yorkshire Cricket Board. Tributes and presentations have been presented to Ian who also won the Lifetime Achievers Award at the YCB OSCAs for 2014. Further tributes will be made in the handbook.

Ian’s departure has obviously left a void and four people have now picked up the work Ian had religiously done for many years. Andrew Watson has now become Executive Director of YCB.

The YCB now have 8 Directors and will oversee the areas of work. Mark Arthur (YCCC CEO), Chris West (NYSD League), Jane Hildreth and Umar Rafiq have joined the existing directors, Philip Radcliffe (Chair), Albert Pattison (Vice Chair), Ian Cotterhill and Andrew Watson (Executive Director).

Yorkshire Cricket During the last year Mark Arthur, David Gent (Chair of the YCF) and Andrew Watson have worked together so successfully to enable open dialogue, and mutual trust, that we have established “Yorkshire Cricket”. By starting to share human resources and back-office work, joint services and programmes are evolving through the very close day-to-day working relationship the Board has with the County Club and the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation at all levels. We are now departments of Yorkshire Cricket, but will keep our identities.

The General Members of the Yorkshire Cricket Board have met on three occasions with the Board of Directors meeting every 6 weeks. The Board has considered a wide range of issues including new ECB initiatives and work overload. Once again all decisions have been unanimous.

The challenge ahead is the continuing ECB funding agreement with Sport England focusing on Adult Player Retention, Disability, and South Asia communities. Details are as itemised later in this report.

However, the report must commence with tributes to those people who have passed away since the last report.

Farid Karolia passed away during the summer after a long illness. Farid’s work in the BME communities of Batley/Dewsbury especially at Mount CC and Batley CC has been well documented and recognised by YCB. Farid won the YCB Services to BME Cricket OSCA and also the National Asian Awards OSCA for his services.

Jim Harkin passed away in November. Jim worked as a senior teacher in PE at Dinnington School for over 25 years and a coach for YCB, Nottinghamshire CB and Manager of the Yorkshire Senior Schools Association U19’s at the St. Peter’s week for many years.

Rob Wiltshire passed away in December. Rob umpired in the NYSD league for many years, being a very good umpire who was always helpful to young players. He served on the North Yorkshire Area Council with distinction as a very efficient secretary for 11 years. He also took on the role of child welfare officer which he continued with until his untimely death.

Bernard Shaw passed away in mid-January following a long illness. He was a very well respected umpire who continued to umpire despite his illness. His work over many years within the area, in particular as chairman of the York/Scarborough Area Council, now NYE, was much valued.

Full obituary tributes will be in the 2015 handbook.

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Tributes During the year Ian Powell (CDM-North Yorks) and Reece Bird (CDM-East Yorks) left the YCB after many years service. Ian has moved to the Institute of Groundsmanship as a Regional Pitch Advisor following 12 years service with the Board. Reece moved to the MCC as a National Hub Manager. Reece gave us 8 years service. We are so sorry to lose them, but we thank them so much for all their hard work and their loyal service to Yorkshire Cricket and wish them well for the future.

Finally a tribute goes to the Administration Staff and Development staff who have handled an extraordinary workload this year and borne the brunt not just of orchestrating the normal YCB development programmes, but also the main part of the planning process which has been long and very time-consuming especially Adult Player Retention, Disability and South Asian project planning and the Chance to Shine scheme.

Overall this report follows previous year’s patterns with the reports of Sub-Committees, Forums, Working Parties and Area Cricket Councils following along with other County Associations. There may be some changes to small parts of the report before it is submitted to the Board in March to bring up-to-date some developments.

1. Structure of the Board This can be found elsewhere in the report.

The General Members of the Board who meet 3 times a year are: John Jennings, Martin Kingston, Ian Livesey, Brian Lymbery, Stephen Pickles, (all representing YCB Council (recreational cricket), David Ryder, Ian Dews, Mark Arthur, Andy Dawson (Yorkshire CCC), David Allan (Yorkshire Charitable Youth Trust), Ian Hales (YCBCA), Glyn Pearson (YCBACO), Richard Jones (Women’s Cricket) and Keith Dickson (for Yorkshire Schools) and the Directors.

The YCB Council (for Leagues, Area Councils and CDGs) has five Area Councils as members with each aligned to a County Sport Partnership area. Due to their size West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire also have East and West sub-divisions. The Council nominates the five members as General Members of the Board to represent the needs of recreational cricket.

It has also been decided that there will continue to be an annual meeting of Leagues etc. to place the Board Annual report before them for discussion and questions and to provide information with presentations.

They further the needs of cricket in their areas and cultivate partnerships in the area to benefit cricket. It is believed a minimum of 3 meetings a year is essential. The main focus has been the results of the National Player Survey and Adult Player Retention. It has also been noted that there has been low attendance at some Area Council meetings.

2. England and Wales Cricket Board The ECB National Strategy for Cricket – Champion Counties - was agreed between ECB and Sport England and the Memorandum of Understanding was signed in 2013. As indicated below this has created ring-fenced funding for Adult Player Retention and Disability programmes and with funding for South Asia projects in both Leeds and Bradford.

3. Funding The Board is very grateful to the ECB Trust, The Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, National Cricket Foundation (C2S), Sport England and Lord’s Taverners for their support. The Board is also very grateful to Yorkshire CCC Charitable Youth Trust for a further £10,000 and for other donations to help fund core activities and school visits.

4. Staffing and New Appointments During the year there has been a number of staffing additions or changes.

Richard Wilkinson replaced Ian Powell as CDM for North Yorkshire and Joe Ashdown (who was the Community Coach for York) replaced Reece Bird as CDM for East Yorkshire. Rachel Hildreth has been appointed Community Coach for York and replaces Joe Ashdown. Other new Community Coach appointments: Grant White has been

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appointed for Middlesbrough; Matthew Hurren (Scarborough & District), Tas Malik (Kirklees/Calderdale) and Charlie Roebuck (Disability Engagement Coach)

All community coaches are funded through Chance to Shine and are on one year rolling contracts subject to funding. We welcome all the new staff to Yorkshire Cricket and hope that they have a long and happy career with us.

In addition Paul Topham finished as Women’s Cricket Chairman in March 2014 and also Brian Wheeler as Women’s Cricket Committee secretary. Rob Clayton also stood down at the YCB CA AGM as secretary to the Coaches Association. Iain Mallett also finished as secretary of the YCBGA due to work commitments.

Again we thank these volunteers most sincerely for their long service.

5. Development and Development Managers At the present time the YCB have Development Plans for Disability, Women’s Cricket, Black Minority Ethnics and Workforce Development plans for Volunteers , Coaches, Officials and Groundsmen together with increasing Adult Participation and Retention and facility development. With the changes in the ECB funding many of these have been renewed and new specific plans are now in place for the ring-fenced funding areas of Adult Player Retention, Disability and South Asian communities.

Many schemes are catered for through Chance to Shine, Street Chance and other programmes with wards of High Indices of Multiple Deprivation being key targets.

The CDMs, Managers and Community Coaches have prioritised quarterly work programmes to meet the requirements of ECB and Yorkshire Cricket and are worked out with Andrew Watson and this is working effectively.

6. Chance to Shine This has been a huge success across the county as Gareth Davis reports. 300 primary schools and 150 secondary schools took up the Yorkshire Cricket offer which includes visits to Headingley.

Our thanks to all the clubs and community coaches, CDMs, but special thanks to Gareth Davis (Lead Officer) and Lawrence Walker for ensuring C2S is delivered.

7. Adult Participation/Retention Certainly, the theme of the day. Led by Richard Wilkinson we aimed at much more Indoor Cricket and a key target area was Higher and Further Education students with College Cricket and corporate bodies and full reports later in this document and the aims have been achieved.

Outdoors there is more informal cricket including Taxi Driver leagues, Restaurant leagues, Mental Health leagues (Disabilities), Tape Ball Leagues and informal matches on club grounds. Last Man Stands are 8-a-side games over 20 overs where players sign up and pay on the web to play for a team and are independent franchises bought with details later in this report.

8. Sport England (Yorkshire) and County Sport Partnerships Over the past 10 years YCB has become closely involved with the 5 County Sports Partnerships as they become increasingly operational. In Yorkshire the partners are South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and the Humber with Tees Valley in the Northern Sport England area. Cricket Partnership Meetings have been establishment in all areas and they are all very supportive and work closely with YCB and help us deliver our programmes.

9. Club and League matters Membership Membership has remained largely static in terms of existing clubs but there has been a loss over the last two years with clubs folding though the number of teams remains fairly constant. Clubs are reminded that grants and loans,

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county competitions, progress of and selection of youngsters will not be processed for clubs who are not members. Membership details are given later in the report.

Clubs and Leagues The YCB Council has met on 4 occasions and is the main focus on club problems and has continued to mirror the growing focus on clubs as the vehicle for the development of the game and for adult player retention.

Advice has again been given to clubs over many matters but clubs and leagues need to be aware YCB do not have legal departments and cannot give legal advice. They may, however, be able to point clubs in certain directions or advice of past cases or where information may be obtained from.

Premier League Pyramid Following on from the results of the National Playing Survey in 2013 that indicated that the better players/clubs wanted to play more competitive cricket across Yorkshire whilst most of local players wanted to play more regionally, we have begun to set up a pyramid structure across Yorkshire. There will be 4 Premier Leagues instead of the existing 2. This will start in 2016. Details are later in this report.

Club Affiliation The new Yorkshire Cricket Club Affiliation package has been launched which includes for the first time tickets to four T20 Yorkshire home matches for the 2015 season (any home games apart from the Lancashire all ticket game). The price value of the tickets is worth £80 which clubs are getting all within our package for £45.00 per club and £15 per senior team (£5.00 per ticket). We hope clubs take full advantage of the offer provided. The system of club affiliation through the leagues remains exactly the same and this will be communicated in February. Our general funding from ECB has remained static and will continue to do so. The old YCA money to help and support our clubs who have emergencies to deal with is dwindling fast. As such we need to look at our revenue streams and most of the income from affiliation is re-invested into grass roots cricket. We have tried really hard to keep the rise as low as possible, but it is still a challenging situation for Yorkshire Cricket for now and indeed in future years.

Child Welfare Matters Child Protection and Child Welfare is still one of the issues of the day. It is clearly necessary and essential. It is essential all Leagues and Clubs formally adopt the ECB Safe Hands Policy and the Board will be requiring evidence of this. From 2013 the Disclosure and Barring Service is the main government service.

The joint efforts of Ray Knowles as County Board Child Welfare Officer, Brian Farrell, Philip Robshaw and Alan Farnell as Assistants have again been invaluable. A more detailed report is appended.

Discipline and Transfers Ian Livesey gives a full report later in this annual report and a Working Party reviewed a number of issues including use of social media etc and issued new guidelines.

However it is very important that clubs and especially leagues note that the Board cannot easily deal with any issues especially in the movement of clubs months after they have in fact happened. It is also incumbent on all parties to follow the Board Guidelines. The same goes for all players or other disciplinary matters and reports.

10. Communications and Website The new YCB website is now up and running through Pitchero and is the main means of disseminating information from the Board at www.yorkshirecb.com. Its format and links to other Yorkshire Cricket Partners is established. Graham Purdy is our Webmaster. The 25th edition of the “new look” Handbook will again be published in April 2015 but, as with all handbooks, is out-of-date as soon as published. However we must again stress how important a publication this is as it contains information that every club and league needs to run smoothly.

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11. New YCB Logo As from 1st January 2015 the new YCB logo will be used. The white Rose Logo will be in line with the County Clubs and the YCF will soon be following.

12. OSCAs In August 2014 the Board again held a very successful OSCA event (Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards) at Headingley and some very successful Young Volunteers days have also been held at Headingley run by the YCF.

13. Data Protection Registration has been continued with the Information Commissioner. A revised policy has been developed for core staff and documents covering use of social media for officials and players to sign so their contact details can be used inside cricket. Further guidance was sent to all member organisations regarding the misuse of the social media and subsequent possible disciplinary actions. Graham Purdy is your contact.

14. Senior Cricket Season 2014 again saw no ECB age group competition between 19 and 50 years but there is now a county competition of 5 counties at U19s. The Over 50s ran as previously unfunded and with outstanding success and an Over 60s county side was continued, again with much success detailed below. The Indoor club 6-a-side also operated.

15. Excellence and Participation Pathways The YCB Pathways to Excellence scheme and centres have continued to flourish this year as reported below with continued funding through the ECB Trust.

It remains the main framework through which young cricketers progress to the level at which they become potential county cricketers and that role will continue. The whole Pathways to Excellence has always been a great flagship, but the scheme for 2015-16 will be under Yorkshire Cricket and will be expanded to include more of our very best young players.

Guidelines for Young Players The Board and its Sub-Committees have continued their concern at the overplaying and practice of talented young players and in January 2013 the Board, County Club and Schools Association jointly re-issued official policy Guidelines for Young Players covering frequency and type of Coaching and Match Play. This will be re-issued in April 2015. It is imperative that clubs and all associated with young cricketers take heed of this.

County Junior and Youth Cricket Season 2014 saw some good success as detailed elsewhere with some great individual achievements.

Schools Cricket Some of the Yorkshire Cricket initiatives are based on developing schools cricket as outlined elsewhere but at the representative level the work of the county schools organisations remains an integral and crucial part of the overall cricket development programme and the development of both participation and excellence.

16. Special Projects Details of these are outlined later in the report but Black Minority Ethnic, Disabled People and Womens Cricket are integral part of Yorkshire Cricket.

17. YCB Coaches Association The YCBCA led by Ian Hales and Rob Clayton and supported by David Tighe, proved an effective body at County Board level, but there still remains concern about the lack of activity and support for members by a number of the branches even though the branch structures are now based on Junior Cricket Leagues. This will be addressed in 2015. Rob Clayton has retired as Secretary and is replaced by Kevin Gresham.

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18. YCB Association of Cricket Officials The YCB ACO has had a full year of activity with all branches maintained, training courses developed, seminars held, and umpires progression reports in a very active and successful year. There are full details later in the report.

19. YCB Groundsmans Association The Association now has a new Chairman (Malcolm Maw) and Secretary (Martin Kingston) and is currently covering education and training matters but problems remain with a lack of area representatives and membership remains static. YCB are looking at more support through operating a Pitch Advisor Scheme centrally and for the GA to be more of an independent body as we move into 2015.

20. Yorkshire Womens Cricket The Women’s Cricket Sub-committee was formed in 2010 to run and develop the women’s game. The group now includes new Chairman (Richard Jones), new Secretary (James Spencer), new Director Jane Hildreth and the involvement of Mark Arthur together with Joe Ashdown (County Lead). This has led to extended activity as detailed later in the report and thanks are recorded to the group on an outstanding year.

21. Yorkshire Schools Associations The work and support of the Yorkshire Schools Cricket Association covering all schools cricket and County Age Group teams from 10 to 15 years has again all been much appreciated.

22. Yorkshire County Cricket Club It goes without saying that the biggest success story of the year was Yorkshire winning the County Championship. Those of us who watched the match and witnessed the scenes at Trent Bridge on that last day against Nottinghamshire on 12th September will never forget it. Celebrations went on well into the afternoon, evening and of course the night! For those of us who were honoured and privileged to attend the reception at Buckingham Palace, the day will live long into the memory. Congratulations to Andrew Gale and his team, together with Martyn Moxon and Jason Gillespie on a most fantastic season.

The County Club has continued to be extremely supportive of YCB as we all move into Yorkshire Cricket. The appointment of Mark Arthur as YCCC Chief Executive has brought a new impetus to the links with and partnership working.

Their professional coaches have helped all representative teams and under Director of Cricket Development, Ian Dews, have worked with us to promote the development of the game at representative and other levels and in the development of the Pathways scheme and the Emerging Players Programme.

Links have also continued to develop with the Commercial and Marketing Departments through the efforts of Andy Dawson, Danny Reuben and their staff. The Board also wishes to thank David Ryder of the County Club for his help as Stadium Manager and the Finance department in providing the payroll facility and other help.

The Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, a charitable body for cricket, was established in October 2009. The Board is in attendance at the Trustees Board meetings through the Executive Director. Most of the donations received have been for specified activities but potentially it should be of considerable help in funding Board, County Club and joint development initiatives from charitable donations received. The work of Will Saville as the Foundation Community Development Manager who works closely with the Yorkshire Cricket Board has been very significant.

The Cricket Centre and Pro-Coach in particular has proved to be a valuable asset to the coaching side of the Board’s work and many meetings are hosted there. Thanks go to Linda Grant for her help and provision of refreshments, Chris Bryce and James Spencer from Pro-Coach and Sam Hinchliffe, the Centre Manager, for all their help.

23. Honorary Officials Thanks have been recorded to many staff but particular mention must be made of the Voluntary work of Board officials and Sub-Committee Secretaries: Derek Shuttleworth, Ian Livesey, Stephen Pickles, Brian Wheeler, Ray Knowles, Brian Farrell, Steven Wood, Iain Mallett, Martin Kingston, Malcolm Maw and Rob Clayton who put in so

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many unpaid hours for the benefit of the Board together with the Area Council secretaries.

24. Thanks The matters above serve to underline the very wide range of activities of the Board and I would like to record my sincere thanks to my fellow Directors, to all the members of the administrative staff, to members of the Board, the CDMs and Managers and Community Coaches and members of all our Sub-Committees and Working Parties for the immense support during the year in all the matters above which serve to underline the very wide range of activities of Yorkshire Cricket. My grateful thanks go to Jim Love, who has left his post as Regional Chance to Shine Manager after 10 years. Jim has provided much needed help and support over the years as the C2S scheme evolved from a pilot of 2 clubs and 12 schools in 2005 to 54 clubs and 392 schools in 2015.Thanks also go to John Wright, ECB Business Support Manager who has been a great source of help and advice during the year which has been much appreciated by everyone.

Andrew Watson January 2015

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A - NEW OUTCOMES FRAMEWORK

As reported under Club and Scheme Development there is a strategic framework entitled “Yorkshire Cricket Outcomes Framework”, which will have a focus on Customer Insight, based on local CCB requirements.

Representatives from the Board, the CSPs, Sport England, Yorkshire County Cricket Club, ECB and the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation attended 3 workshops during the summer of 2012 to agree the Yorkshire Cricket Outcomes Approach:

The Framework covers 4 sections: Overarching Vision Intermediate Outcomes Service Outcomes Service Outputs (YCB/YCCC/YCF development programmes)

Overarching Vision Enhanced quality of life and wellbeing for people in the Yorkshire Community through cricket

Service Outcomes 1. What Yorkshire Cricket believes to be our outcomes – in other words “why are we here?” and “what are we really about?” 2. More people playing regular cricket & participating in other ways 3. More people continually improving their skills (whether playing or involved in another way) and greater success in all competitions 4. More members, more spectators, greater audiences 5. More people talking about and appreciating cricket on a daily basis 6. More England internationals at Headingley 7. Sufficient income generated to survive and thrive.

Critical Success Factors There are 2 factors to measure: Cricket is easy for everyone to participate in Cricket provides an enjoyable experience for everyone.

The Yorkshire Cricket Partners have met five times since April 2013 to work together and to measure the Outcomes Framework impact across the Yorkshire Cricket Network. The YCCC, YCB and YCF had 2 representatives on the group together with 2 CSP reps and Sport England. It was agreed in September 2014 that this group had achieved the desired outcome framework of “working together”. The Board, Club, Foundation are now departments of Yorkshire Cricket and Mark Arthur and Andrew Watson meet on a more or less daily basis. Meetings are held quarterly between Mark, Andrew and David Gent (Chair of the YCF) where they discuss how they will drive “Yorkshire Cricket” positively forward, by looking at joining up some services and development activities where possible.

The main focus of attention has been the National Playing Survey which has yielded over 6000 responses in 2 years.

The appointment of the YCCC CEO Mark Arthur has brought great benefit to all the partners and we look forward to enhancing Yorkshire Cricket further in 2015.

Yorkshire Cricket Network comprises Yorkshire Cricket Board Yorkshire County Cricket Club Yorkshire Cricket Foundation Area Councils Leagues

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Cricket Development Groups Clubs All Key Partners – internal and external (e.g.) County Sport Partnerships, Sport England Yorkshire, FDSO, LMS/ Indoor Cricket/ Universities/ Colleges , other NGBs, LAs/ Schools/ SSPs/SGO’s/School Sport Networks, other training providers, other facility providers.

Andrew Watson

B - DEVELOPMENT

1. STRUCTURE The YCB development structure continues to progress following the re-organisation.

Strategic Planning is dealt with by Andrew Watson and the Directors.

Executive Director Andrew Watson now heads up the YCB, with 8 Directors, 5 Development Managers, 3 Administration Managers and 11 community coaches.

2. REPORT ON YORKSHIRE CRICKET DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION MANAGERS

The work of the Executive Director, 4 CDMs, the Coach Education Manager and three Administration Managers has again been at the centre of all the development and administration work in the county. They continue to work their nominal 37 hour weeks plus that bit extra. The team with some changed responsibilities have again shown great skills, are constantly developing their expertise and knowledge and work extremely well together as a team.

They meet bi-monthly in themed Managers Meetings which now includes the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation and Pro-Coach Managers. The Community Coaches (presently 11 in number) also meet bi-monthly, but separately. Pro- Coach also attends these meetings. The Managers also undergo an annual performance review. The meetings now come under the banner of Yorkshire Cricket. i.e. “Yorkshire Cricket Managers Meetings” and the same for the community coaches.

The annual and quarterly work programmes for each manager and community coach with targets and priorities has successfully continued. This has proved most helpful in targeting issues particularly for the CDMs and the Coach Education Manager and has been achieved in meetings with Andrew Watson. The same is happening with the Community Coaches and all other salaried staff.

The roles of the entire development and administration teams are best appreciated by reading all the reports fully - their influence is in every aspect of activity in Yorkshire.

Andrew Watson

3. CLUB AND SCHEME DEVELOPMENT

This year has again been the busiest year on record with the Yorkshire Cricket Board having another highly successful year. The YCB was approached during the early part of 2012 to take part in a national pilot scheme to look at a new national “Outcomes Framework” involving the Board, the County Club, the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation and our key partners. As part of the new ECB Whole Sport Plan and the CCB MoU, all county boards started to plan in this new way from April 2013.

To this end, as a county we are now in an extremely good position with YCB, YCCC and YCF now becoming departments of “Yorkshire Cricket” where joined up services and human resources are currently being explored.

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The “Yorkshire Cricket Outcomes Framework”, has a definitive focus on Customer Insight, based on local CCB/County Club requirements. Details of this are elsewhere in the Annual Report.

I am pleased to announce that we have been successful in achieving Improvement Action Targets in yet another very strong year for the Board and Yorkshire Cricket. The existing Improvement Plan includes: 1. Identification of opportunities for sharing resource and driving economies of scale across the network 2. Utilising insight to create strategies for player recruitment and retention, disability cricket and South Asian Communities (Leeds/Bradford) 3. Working with clubs to deliver the National Club Strategy to ensure a sustainable club network.

Notable achievements are highlighted below: 27 Clubs with a Women’s Section 37 Clubs with a Girls section ECB Clubmark - 185 accredited and 315 registered 249 clubs registered for NatWest Cricket Force –- the highest number in the country 54 clubs and 392 schools on the A Chance to Shine in 2013-14 - Involving 69,843 children and 3468 teachers trained Coach Education: 55 new L2 Childs Coach Coaches (4 courses) 52 new L2 Young Person & Adults Coaches (4 courses) 57 people attending Cricket Activator Courses (5) 1,657 young people attending Cricket Young Leaders courses. 359 Officials (umpires/scorers) attending YCB ACO courses 39 Groundsmen attended ECB/ IoG courses 1868 primary schools entered ASDA/Drax Kwik Cricket Competitions (17,680 children) ASDA Y6 – 1100 schools ASDA Y5 – 108 schools Drax U9 – 476 schools 184 primary schools entered ASDA Girls Kwik Cricket Competitions 90 schools entering Girls U13 and U15 Indoor Lady Taverners Competition (900 girls) Special Needs Schools activity - 49 schools, 12 festivals, 570 children Substantial support for the ECB Adult Participation Strategy including: All existing Last Man Stands Franchises fully supported and 21 senior leagues supported 1850 adult participants in cricket (formal/informal) 4051 participants involved in playing more regularly (formal/informal) 101,958 adult players playing cricket.

The YCB Facilities Strategy, whilst coming to the end of its life in the present format, is still available and has again been distributed widely throughout the year. It is the most important integral document which highlights the requirements not just of cricket clubs, but of the wider network as well and is a much valued tool for the Local Authorities’ Playing Pitch Strategies.

Grant Aid has been very tight this year for capital investment because of ongoing previous projects. There is now much less money from Sport England through to ECB for capital investment through the Whole Sport Plan.

However clubs are advised to access Sport England funding pots direct. We are still delighted with the funding allocated this year and it shows how ECB/SE funding can used to lever local partnership funds.

Funding4Sport is a company which has greatly assisted and supported our clubs in applying for grants. Our very grateful thanks go to Richard Sutcliffe for all his invaluable help to our clubs and for his support to the Development Managers.

The following clubs have recently had funding for facility upgrades. Most of the funding has come from SE Inspired and indicates how clubs whatever their size can access funding:

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Methley CC - Facility upgrade -SE Inspired Facilities / ECB Rodley CC - Facility upgrade (new pavilion) - SE Inspired Facilities / ECB Lightcliffe CC – NTP – Lord’s Taverners Brighouse – NTP through LMS Morley CC - NTP through LMS Cross bank Methodist CC – Club house- SE Inspired Facilities Snainton CC, - Double Bay Nets.- SE Inspired Facilities Yapham CC - New Pavilion: SE Inspired Facilities: Hull Zingari CC - 3 Lane Non Turf Practice Facility Hull Ionians CC – NTP through LMS Cherry Burton CC – NTP through LMS Barnby Dunn CC – NTP through NPS Tickhill CC – Changing Facilities – ECB/ SE Inspired Facilities Treeton CC –storage and changing room - SE Inspired Facilities Brookhouse CC – Pavilion – SE Inspired Facilities

ECB Small Grants Scheme There have been 30 small grants (ECB Small Grants Scheme) (£38,000) covering Water management – wet weather, saving clubs money i.e. energy saving, water management.

The focus for the next 2 years will be based on similar projects- i.e. water management/saving, energy saving etc. for the small grants scheme and capital investment around projects enabling them to keep players playing the game – W&G’s, 16-25’s and general game growth. More funding is available this year.

General The Board wishes to thank everyone who has given up their valuable time to attend relevant Yorkshire Cricket Board meetings, Area Councils, League Meetings, Sub-Committee meetings. We do really appreciate your valuable input and attendance.

National Player Survey ECB have conducted a second National Player Survey which has resulted in over 3600 responses from Yorkshire alone in 2014. During the last few months we have been analysing the responses with 21 senior leagues so that we ensure that we can retain players within the game by amending the rules. My very grateful thanks go to everyone who has supported, promoted and cajoled players to complete the survey.

Pyramid League Structure Background Yorkshire is the biggest geographical region that accommodates and supports 747 senior clubs, of which 508 have junior sections. There are over 100 senior leagues (weekends and midweek) that accommodate 1412 teams. Yorkshire has 12% of all the clubs nationally and if all the schools are included this is increased to 20%. We also have 18 very strong junior leagues. However, we only have 2 premier leagues – Yorkshire Premier league and the NYSD League which covers the top clubs of North Yorkshire and Durham, but no pyramid system.

During the last eighteen months, through the National “ECB 40+ Leagues” meetings and the “YCB Senior Leagues” meetings we have met 12 senior leagues bi-annually to discuss the results of the NPS of 2013 and 2014 to enable

Yorkshire Cricket to support the leagues. The leagues also are able to share best practice, which has been warmly welcomed. Most of the 12 most senior leagues have made some significant and yet some subtle changes to their league playing conditions to keep players playing more regularly. We have invited a further eight leagues to join the join the group in 2015. There was also a big desire to review the whole of the league structure in Yorkshire and ECB are in full support of a proposed 4 premier league structure.

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Progress to Date During the past year, Mark Arthur (YCCC CEO) and Andrew Watson (YCB ED) have met with the Yorkshire Premier League (YPL) committee on a number of occasions. We have also met the YPL northern clubs together as a group on three occasions and have met the two Lincolnshire clubs, Castleford (WY) and the five South Yorkshire clubs within the league each on a 1:1 basis. There has been huge consultation with other surrounding leagues to see if there is an appetite for a new Pyramid System. Over 60 meetings have been attended by Mark and Andrew.

An initial working party was set up in March 2014 to consult, review and plan which included people with a similar vision from different leagues. This working group is very strong and has now been confirmed as the “Yorkshire Cricket Premier League Management Board” and will run the proposed new Pyramid Structure. Other leagues will be invited on to the group shortly.

Proposal We shall keep the history and tradition, but in 2016 league cricket in Yorkshire will begin a period of re-structure to ultimately end up with four County Premier League’s spread across the county to allow any aspiring club to reach the pinnacle of league cricket within the county. Each Premier League will eventually be fed by one or more ‘partner leagues’ to allow promotion and relegation to and from the top level. The top teams in each Premier League will be involved in a series of ‘play-offs’ against each other at Headingley to ultimately produce a ‘champion of Yorkshire’. There is also the possibility of some form of ‘champion’s league’ the following season, and the probability of matches against the champions of leagues in other counties with the Yorkshire champions possibly playing overseas. Equally, the clubs who don’t achieve promotion into the top level will play more locally thereby reducing travel and it will keep players playing more frequently at a lower level.

This will allow clubs who meet the ECB criteria to progress to the top level of club cricket through a standard system of promotion and relegation.

The new County Premier League will belong to ‘Yorkshire Cricket’, which in simple terms is an amalgamation between the Yorkshire Cricket Board, and Yorkshire County Cricket Club. It will come under the control of the Yorkshire Cricket Premier League Management Board put in place to manage the new County Premier Leagues, but will be managed on a day-to-day basis by the local senior cricket league or management group where there is a partner league.

Whilst final rules and the format of any cup competitions are not yet finalised, it is highly probable that matches will be of 50 overs along the lines of the current county one day competition.

The top of the Pyramid will be Yorkshire Cricket Premier League Management Board (Reps from Yorkshire Cricket, 4 Premier Leagues and Partner Leagues) ECB North (6 existing YPL and 6 York Senior League clubs achieving MQS) Partner League York Senior C L ECB South (7 existing YPL and 5 other local clubs from Partner Leagues) Partner League South Yorkshire ECB NYSD (Existing Premier League) Existing Partner League Bradford League (12 teams in premier division) Partner League Central Yorkshire CL

Sport England/CSP’s Sport England’s main priority will be to continue to deliver a World Class Community Sports Development System and remain in charge of commissioning of NGB’s nationally with targets to achieve to gain funding. The main focus will continue to be Adult Participation and Adult Player Retention, - “Keeping people playing more frequently in teams” (traditional club, informal, indoor, LMS, shorter versions etc.), Disability Cricket and South Asian Communities Programme in Leeds and Bradford. Sport England are now working closely with every NGB at a national level, contracting CSP’s, engaging with other parties to influence their investment and work with Local Authorities.

The County Sport Partnerships (CSP) still very much remain our critical key partners and key strategic deliverers for

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Sport England. YCB work with five such CSPs: Tees Valley, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and The Humber. They support all sports across the Region and have a clear strategic approach.

Cricket Partnership Meetings The quarterly Cricket Partnership Meetings with all the five CSP’s and other internal and external key partners have been critical to our overall success. Using local knowledge, data and intelligence they are delivering the Yorkshire Cricket Outcomes Framework on a local basis. This includes: supporting and implementing the competition framework for schools; supporting the clubs and CDGs (participation, facilities and work force); Adult Participation and Retention (club/non-club); HE/FE Development; Disabilities; Education (Coaches, Officials, Grounds); Player Pathway.

YCB Council, Area Cricket Councils & Cricket Development Groups We currently have 24 Cricket Development Groups. All CDG’s are linked to the five Area Cricket Councils. The YCB Council and the five Area Councils has been a significant feature in 2014 and will be the driving force for Adult Player Retention as we move into 2015. Communication channels have improved as feedback is now given direct to YCB via the YCB Council from the Area Councils, leagues and clubs. Some of the CDG’s are still in their embryonic stage (particularly in Leeds), but they will be the driving force of club and local area development in the future – the engine room of development. The YCB CDG Forum is progressing well, although sometimes we struggle with attendance. The meetings are very positive and are held twice per year, where representatives from all the CDG’s can report on their planned activities and exchange ideas of good practice, discuss current issues and feed information back to YCB. 4 representatives from the CDG Forum represent CDGs on the YCB Council, which has been immensely beneficial. In addition to the above CDG’s, we also have 4 Women and Girls’ Development Groups (North, South, East, and West). These groups oversee Women and Girls’ Development especially girls participation at club and district level at U11, U13, and U15 which links into the Yorkshire Cricket Pathways to Excellence and the Emerging Players Programme. The Districts form part of the YCB Women’s Sub-Committee and District Task Force. Andrew Watson

Clubmark 2014 was another good year for Yorkshire clubs and ECB Clubmark accreditations. We now have 315 clubs registered for ECB Clubmark with 185 of these achieving ECB Clubmark. In 2014 we had 5 newly accredited clubs from across the county. The YCB team and Clubmark Nominated Officers (CMNOs) supported 28 clubs in achieving re-accreditation.

In 2015 we plan to hold in-house Clubmark training for both existing and new YCB staff, together with local authority officers and club volunteers. 2015 will in all likelihood be our busiest year with 94 clubs going through the re-accreditation process, with all indicating they wish to re-accredit. Add to this another 58 clubs who were due to be de-registered because of not accrediting within the 3 year period. All have indicated they wish to re-register, and a number of leagues want all of their member clubs to achieve accreditation so 2015 will be a challenging but ultimately rewarding period.

On behalf of the YCB, a huge and sincere thanks to all who have contributed to the Clubmark process over the past 12 months, and specifically the clubs who undertake this process and the volunteer CMNOs who dedicate countless hours in assisting and seeing clubs over the line.

Steve Archer

A Chance to Shine 2014 saw the YCB deliver another high quality Chance to Shine programme which involved Primary Schools and 150 Secondary Schools across Yorkshire. We delivered a combined total of 8922 hours of coaching across school and club activity, coaching 73997 children and 1242 with SEN.

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Teacher training is the key to the sustainability of the programme and we pride ourselves on equipping teacher with resources, equipment, drills and skills to ensure they continue to deliver sessions for the children within their school. We trained up 3648 teachers in 2014 across the county.

For me the highlight of the Creating the Future (CTF) programme is the golden ticket sessions we have run via the primary schools and club projects; we have seen a staggering 2365 new members to clubs this year. The sessions are run by Sports Learning Zone and the company director Dale Kerruish using different cricket aids and machines to energise children into finding cricket fun at the first taste, then replicating the sessions at the clubs. We on one evening have seen up to a 100 children migrate within 1 session delivered at the school which is a fantastic effort by all. These sessions were booked in by the Community Cricket Coach in conjunction with the Chance to Shine clubs and schools.

This year we delivered 1386 hours of sports clubs in the Secondary School Initiative which does not include intra or inter match play. These are is sessions outside of playing cricket but looked at volunteering, organising competitions and visits to watch YCCC games at Headingley. Exit routes to clubs have been developed outside of just playing although additional playing members at 14 plus has been a huge success for a lot of clubs who needed more players at this age group where we had previously seen a drop off in players at the under 15 age group.

The Cricket Young Leaders 4 – 6 course was a highlight for me with the county delivering high quality leadership and coaching programmes in a staggering 126 schools across Yorkshire, thus helping deliver Drax and Kwik cricket competitions at clubs. This was highlighted at local development group meetings as a key area of support needed by clubs.

Gareth Davis

Yorkshire Cricket Foundation– BME/ Inner City Development Centres We are completely indebted to the Trustees of the YCF for their fantastic support and financial assistance in enabling us to continue with our BME/ Inner City Development Centres in 2014. There were 11 BME/ Inner City Development Centres active in 2014 with 491 weekly attendees, 42 coaches and the 11 centres covering 30 clubs. Most centres ran between 4 and 8 weeks. Seven centres had attendances of over 40 per session, whilst three of the centres achieved over 60. All centres were supported by volunteers. Centres: Batley/ Dewsbury; Huddersfield; Manningham; Leeds Hamara; West Bowling; Marley; Rotherham; Sheffield; Wakefield; Leeds Caribbean; Leeds Sikh; BD3.

On behalf of the Yorkshire Cricket Board and all faith communities and organisations, I would like thank the YCF for their fantastic support and financial assistance with this project.

South Asia Communities (Leeds/Bradford) - SE/ECB Funding Yorkshire Cricket are highly delighted with the opportunity to develop two South Asian Communities Projects through ECB’s Whole Sport Plan, in the major cities of Leeds and Bradford. We recognise the diversity amongst South Asian groups and communities and their needs, creating challenges for the Board to ensure that varied cricketing needs of relevant groups and communities are catered for.

The Yorkshire Cricket fully supports ECB’s “One Game” pledge and has been involved with the re-launch of this. “One game” is aimed at widening the appeal of cricket and ensuring as many people are welcomed into the game regardless of age, race, ability or gender.

The SA Communities project will help develop links with existing programmes and provide further opportunities to play cricket, particularly from the 16+ age group.

The South Asian Communities Programme will focus on retaining current participants by widening our sphere of influence and also increasing participation amongst SA Communities within Bradford and Leeds, by working with influential groups and leaders, including some faith groups.

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Evidence from a range of sources supplied to and by ECB shows there are three dominant sports (football, hockey and cricket) which are played by SA Communities within England. Evidence from Sport England shows that Asian people are more likely to play cricket at least once over a four week period and more than 6 times likely to play cricket than their white counterparts.

Cricket is extremely popular sport with SA communities and there is a significant latent demand for more Cricket. However, it is acknowledged that not everyone wants to or is able to take part in a formal club/League competitive setting, resulting in substantial demand for informal, unaffiliated Cricket in a variety of community settings, some of which the Yorkshire Cricket are aware of.

The first year of the project has been to: 1. Appoint a Community Development Officer for Leeds and Bradford so that the project has focus and a dedicated resource. Taj Butt has been appointed to this post. 2. To build on the work of Steve Archer and Richard Wilkinson 3. Carry our more local research and to provide and communicate with people in the communities 4. To work with the Bradford Local Authority to develop sites in areas of need including the redevelopment of Bradford Park Avenue as a community project

Andrew Watson

C - FINANCE AND FUNDING

1. REPORT ON ECB TRUST GRANT FUNDING AND ACTIVITIES

The YCB will receive £489,000 from the ECB Trust for the period 1st October 2014 to September 2015 compared to £407,000 for 2013-14 but of this much is Sport England money through ECB which is ring-fenced: Adult Player Retention £227,000, Disability programme £41,000. The majority of the funding has gone to staffing with a Director and four CDMs with Admin, Support staff, and their on-costs and activity allocation is as above.

All this has meant budgeting for the 2014-15 year has been a major problem and is still subject to internal change.

2. PAYROLL

With now 20 salaried staff and over 450 casual coaches, the payroll is a huge exercise in itself. The work is currently approved by the Executive and done by the Finance Manager Lee Abbott who also did all the accounts. His input has been extremely impressive and valuable in the last year and we thank him for his efforts.

3. PRESENT AND FUTURE FUNDING SOURCES

2014-15 income sources are: ECB Trust/Sport England (CDMs, admin and activity) £489k, South Asian project (tbc) £65,730, Affiliations £22k, Staffing input from Partners (excluding Chance to Shine) £24k. £107k of the ECB element can be used at the Boards discretion as long it is used to achieve the targets in the Action Plan and IPP document but not for elite performance. The rest is ring-fenced as above. The Chance to Shine budget for 2014-15 is Creating the Future (primary schools) £136k (up from £134k) and Secondary School Initiative estimated as £150k (down from £215k) with a further £74k for October 2015-March 2016.

Lee Abbott

D – ADMINISTRATION

1. YCB OFFICE

The administration support for the YCB is provided by a small team based in the Headingley office. Graham Purdy

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as Operations Manager, Lawrence Walker as Homan Resources Manager/Chance to Shine Administrator and Lee Abbott as Finance Manager (three days a week) deliver all the administrative functions and can be contacted on the office landline number of 01123 899245.

2. COMMUNICATIONS AND WEBSITE

2014 saw the launch of the new YCB website in partnership with Pitchero. After an extensive review and test of the market, Pitchero were appointed as the preferred provider enabling our new website to go live in the autumn. Our thanks are extended for the input of Alan Birkenshaw who provided advice and challenge in reviewing the future format and seeking out a preferred provider. Thanks are also extended to Carl Parkin who developed and managed our old website as an employee of the YCB.

The YCB website remains an important channel for disseminating information to share news, support resources for clubs, new initiatives and develop networks. Articles from clubs, leagues, associations, volunteers, partners and cricket enthusiasts are welcomed and should be submitted to Graham Purdy at the YCB office ([email protected]).

Please visit the website at www.yorkshirecb.com and also follow us on social media – Twitter @Yorkshirecb and Facebook ww.facebook.com/Yorkshirecricketboard.

3. CLUB CONTACT DETAILS

Email and web-based distributions are used to relay news and information in a timely and cost-effective way to clubs and leagues. Our Cricket Development Managers actively engage with clubs to promote new initiatives and develop networks across recreational cricket. It remains as an imperative, therefore, that clubs keep the YCB and league(s) in which they play updated on who the point of contact is and how to contact them.

As well as email communication via leagues and associations, we continue to do full postal mail outs on a twice yearly basis to all affiliated clubs. This includes booklets, forms and promotional material to support and inform clubs. This requires clubs to provide a full and current postal address for club secretaries or points of contact. Information about affiliated clubs and club officials is entered on the ECB’s national cricket database (CBMS), which then enables clubs to access the Play-Cricket platform, including the free website facility ensuring we have current contact information enables all clubs to benefit fully from their YCB affiliation.

Notification of changes should be submitted using the forms supplied (and available via the YCB website) to Graham Purdy at the YCB Office, Headingley Cricket Ground, Leeds, LS6 3BU or by email to [email protected]. Please note this does not include affiliation fees which should continue to go to Derek Shuttleworth.

The number of clubs affiliated across the county does make full postal mail-outs an onerous task, so we are indebted to our volunteers for their help and support in making this happen.

4. AFFILIATION AND MEMBERSHIP

In 2014 839 clubs affiliated to the YCB with a total of 1,414 teams recorded as playing senior cricket across the county. This includes 13 Womens Teams who affiliated either through their parent clubs or as stand-a-lone clubs.

31 senior leagues directly affiliated clubs playing within their leagues, equating to 811 clubs and 903 of the teams affiliated. The other 28 clubs affiliated directly to the YCB accounting for 56 teams. Thanks are extended to cricket league secretaries for the clarity of their returns to our Membership Secretary and for continuing to ensure that all member clubs are affiliated and continue to benefit from the support we have to amateur cricket clubs.

We are indebted to the Craven League for their continued involvement in the ECB’s pilot project for on-line

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Thanks are again extended to Derek Shuttleworth for his sterling and efficient work as Membership Secretary.

5. REPORT ON GRANTS . Lord's Taverners Cricket Equipment Scheme

In 2014 there were 107 successful applications for junior cricket kit bags through the Lord’s Taverners scheme. A total of 66 schools from all parts of Yorkshire secured new junior cricket equipment through the scheme, with all the schools having links to local cricket clubs. A further 40 cricket clubs secured kit to support their junior sections, with 1 Cricket Development Group securing a bag to support the provision of junior cricket. The new bags included 71 softball bags for the younger players; 3 bags specific for girls cricket; with 14 Under 11s, 13 Under 13s and 6 Under 16s hard ball kits.

Our understanding is that scheme will not be running in its present format in 2015 so, on behalf of all the Cricket Clubs, Schools and Cricket bodies who have benefitted from the scheme, we extend our thanks to the Lord’s Taverners for their support and generosity.

Last Man Stands Barnby Dun, Brighouse and Morley Cricket Clubs were the first recipients of a Non Turf Pitch as part of the new initiative through Last Man Stands. Other clubs are looking at this as route to support the provision of additional recreational cricket at their grounds and our thanks are extended to Last Man Stands for this initiative to support grass roots cricket.

Graham Purdy

E - YCB COUNCIL, CLUBS AND LEAGUES

1. YCB COUNCIL The YCB Council met in March, June, September and December. These meetings were kindly hosted by Barnsley, Cleckheaton and York Cricket Clubs.

In addition to the usual reports from the 5 Area Councils and the other membership groups, this year we have held open discussions on specific topics where the aim has been to increase the "joined up" thinking in order to improve the match day experience. To this end we have sought to work with YCBACO to actively increase the percentage of qualified umpires officiating on match days, we have sought to work with YCBGA/IOG to actively increase the percentage of club groundsmen who are members of YCBGA/IOG and have access to training and support. Also we have sought to increase the numbers of leagues putting in place Player Loan schemes so that there can be a better arrangement between those players without a fixture and those clubs without sufficient players. The reaction to all three of these discussions has been very positive, and we see these as ongoing initiatives to improve the match day experience for players.

Stephen Pickles

2. COUNTY TEAMS Over 50s Season 2014 saw a new era for Yorkshires' 50+ side under the captaincy of Steve Wales who provided additional determination and organisational ability both on and off the field to push forward the County at this level and provide a realistic chance of ultimate success in the ECB 50+ Championship in the near future. Ably assisted by vice-captain Rob Keywood, playing success was achieved consistently in the Group stages where a 100% win ratio

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(7 County matches) was recorded - including an away success at Durham the ultimate winners. Key to this achievement was a tremendous team ethic within the squad of 15. Cambridgeshire were defeated by 81 runs in the round of 16 before the team encountered a strong Essex side (in an even stronger wind!) and were defeated by 7 wickets.

Whilst teamwork was the key player during the season, mention should also be made of opener Kevin Bradley whose 378 runs at 94:50 inevitably got the side off to a good start. . Of the bowling Colin Chadwick (15 wkts) and captain Wales (11 wickets as a "stand breaker") led the field with all other bowlers assisting with vital wickets at key times from accurate bowling.

Much closer ties were developed with Yorkshire CB and CCC and positive outcomes have, and will continue to emanate from Headingley. Possible use of County grounds, team kit and leisurewear together with other areas being pursued will all have a beneficial effect in the coming seasons as we seek another successful Final appearance (last achieved some ten years ago). However all this could not happen without the general support of the Yorkshire cricket community led by the Yorkshire Cricket Board itself, Masham CC, Studley Royal CC, Acomb CC, Clifton CC and York CC. who generously lent their grounds and groundstaff for our fixtures, the umpires who "stood", tea ladies who excelled, and our scorer Jane Sykes who kept an immaculate book. To all our grateful thanks. We approach season 2015 with optimism, renewed vigour and general expectancy.

Robin Beynon

Over 60s Yorkshire 60+ 1st XI were North Group Champions again. Having won all 12 group matches Yorkshire finished top for the third time in the last four years. Yorkshire had the luxury of at least 7 bowlers in each of its matches that captain Alan Steers used to great advantage.

In the championship play-off's, Yorkshire beat Norfolk at Clifton Alliance CC, Kent at Bromley Common CC, but in the semi-final lost to Essex by 18 runs at Halstead CC.

Yorkshire 60+ 2nd XI were also North Group Champions 2014. The team performed very well, finishing top of the group only losing one group game to Essex at Chigwell School CC.

In the play-off's first round Yorkshire lost narrowly to Cheshire at Ackworth CC. and lost to Kent at Oakham CC in the Plate competition.

David Todd

3. ADULT PARTICIPATION

Adult Participation has again been one of the main focuses set by Sport England and the ECB. The main aims are to target Adult Participation in players aged 16+.

Over the last year there has been a remarkable amount of activity that has taken place within the county to help increase the amount of Adult Participation taking place outside the conventional, affiliated forms of the game. In 2014 we recorded that there were 5904 participants either new to the game or increasing the frequency of the game being played in other formats. This figure was slightly down in comparison to 2013. The main reasons were that in 2014 the entire cricketing nation took part in the National Playing Survey (NPS) - this was an opportunity for players and clubs to have their say and feedback on their current thoughts on League Cricket. This in-depth study has meant that all clubs have focused their attention in completing the survey and working closer with their relevant leagues to ensure their opinions have been heard. Thus the amount of feedback we received regarding the club based activities was minimal.

Other reasons for the decrease in the number of club-based activities where clubs have hosted their own charity

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events, fund raisers, pub knockouts, single wicket competitions etc have been the weather, clubs availability and also the reliance of personnel to record and enter the data. We are working towards a more efficient way to collect the data for 2015. Although club-based activities have dropped slightly we have seen an increase in other areas such as LMS, Indoor cricket and FE/HE Cricket.

Last Man Stands The 2014 saw the re-launch of the Hull LMS Franchise. Also we are looking to extend the LMS Franchise further in North Yorkshire in 2015. LMS is still being promoted and looking to gain more support to begin leagues.

Leeds/Bradford and South Yorkshire have proven to be the most successful areas with increases in both leagues most notably in South Yorkshire with around 40m teams now registered. We anticipate another successful year for all, weather permitting.

College Cricket. The college cricket scheme that ran over the winter period proved to be highly successful with 14 colleges engaging in an indoor competition preceded by 3 weeks of coaching. With over 600 participants being involved, this exceeded our target. The sustainability of this scheme will be vital to keep cricketers from the 16+ still engaged in the game.

This has been mainly due to the new Indoor 24 competition which is now directed by the ECB and BCS. The competition will be running again in 2015. Also the appointment of College Activators who are employed to get more students participating in sport within the college has helped greatly.

University Easy Cricket This has proved to be an area that has not been as prolific as originally anticipated. The appointment of Cricket Activators within the university has proven to be hit-and-miss. The main successes have come from those who have gone down the active university route, where projects like this are essential to funding. BUCS figures have been included separately from these as that is main stream competitive cricket.

Indoor Cricket. Excellent figures over the winter period. We had around 3000 participants playing this format of the game. Competitions have taken place in Doncaster, York, Hull, Middlesbrough, two in Sheffield and two in Leeds. We expect this to continue in 2015 with new leagues planned for Beverley and Redcar.

Club based activities. As already explained this has shown a slight decrease in 2014 with just over 2500 participants although this still proves to be our most prolific area in Adult Participation figures and data. The information that has been collected shows a huge amount of participation that takes place at clubs. These include charity events, pub knockouts, single wicket competitions, open days and fund raisers.

Grey Fox Trophy This popular over 50s competition has again had another successful year with 12 teams registering and competing. The finals this year took place at Headingley and Scarborough. The GFT committee is already in the lookout for new teams for 2015.

Richard Wilkinson

4. VOLUNTEERS

Club Development seminars. No club Development Seminar took place in 2014. We are planning to run 5 seminars in 2015 with the focus on Coach Education.

Reward and Recognition days These were administered by Graham Purdy and Andrew Watson in 2014 with over 60 volunteers attending as our

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guests at T20 games at Headingley. Thanks are extended to the County Club for providing match day tickets and from Linda Grant’s excellent catering in Stumps café.

Nat West Cricket Force 2014 In 2014 we had 259 clubs registered for NWCF. We had a very successful showcase at Thorpe Hesley CC from South Yorkshire.

Young Volunteer Days. The Young Volunteer days were run successfully again in 2014 despite the poor weather. We were unable to hold another day at Scarborough CC due to the fixture structures of the County Club but we will look to repeat this again in 2015.

We had 6 in total that attended during 2013, They were from Selby College and the North Yorkshire CSP Leaders,. The dates for 2015 are currently being planned. The outlines for days will focus on voluntary opportunities within cricket, information about potential placements and career pathways and Values of volunteering within Cricket and Sport.

Each student that attends will have opportunity to sign up to the vCricket Awards to gain rewards for volunteering within cricket.

Yorkshire Elite Leaders Academy No activities took place in 2014. The YCF and YCB are looking to re-launch this for 2015.

Richard Wilkinson

5. CHILD WELFARE

2014 was again a busy year for the County Child Welfare Officer Ray Knowles and his Assistants Alan Farnell, Phil Robshaw and Brian Farrell. There were a number of investigations of individuals, those in cricket mainly involving emotional bullying of young players by coaches , alleged assault and false allegations etc totalling 10 major active cases for example at September 2014, 4 involving police action. Cyber bullying is another area which is becoming more prevalent with the more frequent use of social media sites.

During 2014 there were 13 Safe Hands courses of which 9 were new ones and 4 refreshers and a further roll out is expected in 2015.

All who were CRB/DBS checked 3 years ago are up for DBS renewal and should receive forms 3 months ahead of renewal. DBS certificates are issued only to the recipient and it is imperative that they then contact ECB with this information; otherwise your renewal will not be recorded. Forms are available from [email protected]

Clubs must ensure Welfare Officers are appointed and qualified, otherwise if they become liable in law for litigation purposes they may be without insurance cover for that purpose and their Chairman held personally responsible if Welfare Officers are not appointed and trained and the “Safe Hands” Policy adopted (with renewal course every 3 years).

It is also a requirement that Leagues must appoint a League Welfare Officer ( irrespective of whether they have junior teams etc. - just one Under 18 player in any team requires a League Welfare Officer who may also be a

CWO of a member club) and these must be notified to YCB.

It is a requirement that YCB keep a register of all Club and League Welfare Officers and these must be notified to YCB (Graham Purdy) by Clubs and Leagues.

Lawrence Walker

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6. TRANSFER AND DISCIPLINE

The overall picture was slightly better again this year with there being no Appeals that required dealing with by YCB. This could be a result of some Leagues engaging with the Clubs in dealing with unsatisfactory conduct both on and off the field. This does not mean we should be complacent about this but continue to strive to look for further ways to improve both the reporting of misconduct & dealing with it in a speedy and efficient manner in accordance with the Sentencing Guidelines in Appendix1 of the Disciplinary Code & Procedures issued in 2011.

All Leagues/Clubs are reminded to take note of the YCB Disciplinary Code Suspension Policy Section 5.6.1 which indicates that all bans/suspensions exceeding 4 weeks must be reported to the YCB within 7 days of the Disciplinary Procedure being completed and the other Leagues notified as shown on the YCB Report Form. It should be noted that League-only bans are not permitted.

The Format of the YCB Disciplinary Register was revised during the course of the year and now gives details as follows:- 1 Players Sine Die or Indefinitely Banned from playing Cricket 2. Players Banned for periods exceeding 4 weeks. 3. Players with Suspended Bans to be implemented in the event of further incidents of unsatisfactory conduct. It is still the intention that the Disciplinary Register be updated and issued on a monthly basis during the Season subject to the information being received from the League Disciplinary Officers within the above time frames.

We would once again remind all Leagues and Clubs that the procedure on the YCB Club Transfer Form should be followed within the time frame indicated in the Rules of the Yorkshire Cricket Board Para 9.3 and on completion passed to the Club Transfer Officer.

Thanks to all those who assisted during 2014 and once again if anyone needs any assistance during 2015 please do not hesitate to contact me.

Ian Livesey.

F PLAYER PATHWAYS

1. PATHWAYS TO EXCELLENCE

2014 saw the introduction of a new Regional Centre (formerly Bronze Centre) at Pickering to serve the Scarborough/Ryedale area. This was led by the Scarborough Strategic Development Group with support from Ryedale District Council, Ryedale Leisure, Ryedale School and local cricket coaches in the Scarborough and Ryedale areas. The new centre ran successfully under the leadership of Mark Welford at the Ryedale Leisure Centre. Financial support from Ryedale Leisure, Ryedale School and the local Cricket Development Groups enhanced the facilities at the Ryedale Leisure Centre through the provision of new mats, improved lighting and new equipment, bringing the sports hall up to an excellent standard for indoor cricket. These facilities served to the benefit local clubs, junior coaching as well meeting the standards for a new Pathways Centre for the Ryedale/ Scarborough area.

South Craven area also saw the introduction of a Pathways Development Programme to enhance junior coaching opportunities in the South Craven area and as a potential stepping stone into the Pathways system for talented young cricketers. The Upper Airedale Junior Cricket League were the key driving force for progressing this initiative in partnership with the YCB and Pro Coach who managed and coached in the new centre at Ermysteds School. Our thanks are extended to Terry Thompson from the UAJC for his work on this project.

2014 saw the first full year of the new selection process for the Gold and Silver programmes. Places were identified by County Age Group Team managers, based entirely on performances during representative outdoors cricket during the season. Team managers of the Yorkshire U12, U13s, U14s, U15s and U16s teams identified their top 10 and next best 6 players, with the top ten allocated to two Gold sets and their next 6 into a single Silver set. The Gold and Silver programmes also saw the introduction of specialist skill-set sessions enabling players to hone their

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specialist skills under expert tutorship from the County coaching staff.

A further new initiative saw the introduction of specialist sessions for the elite players in the County U11s and U10s teams who enjoyed a 6 week targeted winter programme, at Headingley, developing their skills within their own age groups.

A total of 225 talented young cricketers attended the 9 Bronze Pathways Centres for the 2013/14 Boys Pathways intake. A further 26 boys benefitted from coaching on the Silver Pathways group at Headingley, with 38 comprising the 2 Gold groups. 4 players progressed from the Regional Centres mid-programme to join the Silver programme with 8 players assessed for progression on the basis of their performances in the Regional Centres.

For the 2014/15 Pathways intake, over 300 nominations were received with places allocated following trials held at York, Headingley, Bradford, Sheffield and Hull. Our thanks are extended to all those who nominated, coached on and helped administer the Pathways scheme in 2014.

For the women and girls, 19 talented young cricketers attended the Gold Centre with 25 on the Silver in the indoor nets at Headingley. The Girls Bronze Centres were successfully run by the Womens’ Cricket Development Groups in East Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire.

Graham Purdy

G - SCHOOLS AND YOUTH

1. COUNTY AGE GROUPS

Yorkshire Schools, District Cricket, Lord's Taverners and Joe Lumb Competitions are all covered in their own reports. Thanks are extended to these associations for their on-going commitment and hard work resulting in records to be proud of, and the full enjoyment shown by all involved.

The Under 13s and 15s club competitions were again well led by Stephen Pickles the County Organiser with York CC winning the Yorkshire U15s and West Bretton the U13s.

Graham Purdy

Under 17s In a summer of mixed weather, the U17s squad encountered a season which again, promised much but ultimately delivered little by way of silverware.

In the two day national competition, Yorkshire failed to qualify for the semi-finals. Despite a win over Derbyshire, defeats on 1st innings to Durham, Cheshire and Lancashire determined the team would play no further part in the competition. There were some decent performances along the way, Jared Warner’s unbeaten century at Weetwood against Derbyshire and Eddie Barnes return of six for 21 against Cheshire being the highlights. Ben Ainsley and Toby Booth showed promise with the bat, Jonathan Read was outstanding with the gloves and the off spin bowling of Jack Shutt proved it was not all doom and gloom. The group was well lead by both captains, Jared Warner and Yassar Imtiaz, and off the field.

In the one day tournament, the squad had more joy, winning three of their four matches in the group stages including a thrilling final ball victory at Durham. Unfortunately in our final game, the Yorkshire weather didn’t help. With the team well set to chase down Lancashire’s total of 274, the game was washed out with Yorkshire 37 for 1 with 42 overs left to play. Lancashire went through to the semi-finals on a superior competition run rate.

Due to call ups to YCCC 2nd XI teams, National squad selection and holidays, opportunities presented themselves

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for players from younger age groups as well as several fringe players. The step-up in age and quality of the opposition presented its fair share of challenges, particularly in the 2 day competition. I am confident that these games have provided excellent learning opportunities for all, highlighting areas for improvement such as using the new ball effectively, taking our catches and, the key for this group of batters, investing time in order to prosper later in the game.

It has nevertheless, been an encouraging summer for the U17s. One member of this squad represented England U19s (Matthew Fisher), a further two (Jared Warner & Mosun Hussain) were part of the England U17 Development Programme. In addition to Mosun & Jared, Eddie Barnes also represented the North Region in the Under 17 Super 4's tournament. Finally, Matthew Fisher played List A cricket with YCCC 1st XI and no fewer than five others played with YCCC2nd XI. Well done to all.

My personal thanks go to coaches Graham Tipping, James Finch and Tony Pickersgill who assisted myself and Ian Dews throughout the summer and to Blaine Clancy for his Strength and Conditioning input. Thanks also go to Sarah Smith our scorer. And finally, thank you to all the parents. Without your support and commitment we could not fulfil the fixtures.

Under 16 Report Due to a busy summer of cricket, the U16s were limited to a brace of 1 day fixtures in 2014. We were fortunate enough to field a strong side on both occasions, the team consisting chiefly of the U17 squad. This proved too much for our opponents, Durham and the old enemy Lancashire, who were soundly beaten, Durham by 22 runs and Lancashire by 106 runs.

The group had an excellent captain in Yaaar Imtiaz, who led by example throughout and was never frightened to take the ‘tough’ decisions.

I am confident that these games have provided excellent learning opportunities for all, highlighting areas for improvement such as fielding basics, bowling to a plan and, perhaps the key for this group of batters, taking responsibility to get big scores having laid the foundations, not forgetting identifying single and boundary options in the middle period, where we were often becalmed.

Grateful thanks go to the coaches, James and Blaine who provided much skill, knowledge, and humour to the proceedings and special thanks to Sarah Smith, our scorer who was at her professional best. And finally, a huge thank you to all the parents for ferrying the boys to the games, often at short notice. It is much appreciated.

Richard Damms

Under 19s The 2014 season proved a very good year with the team winning 3 of our 4 games but still not the competition, Middlesex having a very strong side consisting of mainly contracted players.

We also made mistakes due to a lack of experience of the 2 day game by our team mainly comprised of club players. At Keighley C.C. against Durham when we secured a victory based on first innings but, as result of lack of understanding the rules, our captain agreed to abandonment of the game late in the afternoon of the 2nd day when additional bonus points could have been gained. Also against Middlesex when, after following on, we passed our opponents score in the 2nd innings with only 20 minutes remaining and thought the game over only for Middlesex to go into bat to score 5 runs to record an outright win.

However, there were many pleasing results, we retained the Sanderson Trophy against Lancashire at Todmorden and captained by Ben Morley had some outstanding performances from players with both bat and ball.

With the bat Cameron Pitt scored 142 v Durham, Barney Gibson 106 v Middlesex and 117 v Lancashire , Nathan Firn 125 v Lancashire and Ben Morley 126 v Warwickshire. With the ball Matthew Waite took 5-59 in one match against Durham and against Lancashire Lewis Stabler had 3-39 and Jordan Thompson 4-44 in one innings.

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Our wicketkeeper Bradley Birkhead was inspirational giving encouragement at all times but the most improved player award for all-round performances went to Jack Hendy (Elland) Batting - 25, 28, 29, 35no 29no - Bowling - 2/18, 1/3, 3/66, 2/30.

For 2015 we have newcomers to the Championship Competition in Derbyshire meaning there will be 5 games during the season, full details of the fixtures can be found in the handbook or on the YCB website.

Thanks go once again to our coach Jim Leathley, scorer Stephen Pickles and Ian Livesey who also assisted at games.

Brian Lymbery

2. REPORT FROM YORKSHIRE SCHOOLS CRICKET ASSOCIATION

It was yet another successful and enjoyable season with exciting performances at all age group levels. The weather was reasonably kind apart from some early season interruptions. The 15s battled their way through to the ECB finals At Kibworth and beat Derbyshire for 3rd place. The 13s enjoyed a very good season and beat Lancashire convincingly in the Northern Counties final as well as lifting the Taunton Festival Trophy for the second year. The 12B team won the Oundle Festival and the 11s recorded a clean sweep with 18 victories including the Taunton Festival for the third year. The inaugural season for the 10B team was a great success with enormous interest shown at this level. A total of 200 matches were played at County level and for the first time a junior presentation evening was held at Headingley for the under 10, 11 & 12 teams.

The Under 15s A team had an indifferent start to the season with two early defeats against Lancashire and Derbyshire which was retrieved to enable the side to reach the quarter final and then national finals. The squad contained some talented individuals but a lack of consistency and an inability to perform under pressure exposed many frailties – but with the depth of talent a good measure of success was achieved. The county was again well represented at the Bunbury Festival with 6 boys in the north team. Adbi-Hasan Ahmed (Woodhouse Grove) also made the Bunbury squad. James Pick captained the side well.

The Under 15s B had a generally good season and particularly so with a number of players progressing through to the “A” team. There was some excellent cricket played against a number of very good county sides. The trial matches and early games were rain-affected but the season finished in fine style with victories in 8 of the last 9 matches. There were three 2 day matches against Lancashire (W), Devon (D) and Cornwall (L) and the southern tour concluded with a fine win over Warwickshire. 26 players featured during the season.

It was a fluctuating and disappointing season for the Under 14As but not without some good performances. A number of the players failed to achieve their full potential and it is hoped that efforts will be made in order that improvements will be forthcoming for next season. The Under 14 B side had a rather average season where questions remained unanswered in respect of fielding and fitness. However, the value of B teams was evident with a number of players promoted to the A side.

The Under 13 A team had a remarkable season with no weather interference and all matches played to a conclusion giving players plenty of opportunity to make their mark. The two narrow defeats to Lancashire were avenged in the final of the ESCA Northern Counties Cup with a resounding 9 wkt victory. There was success too at the Taunton Festival for a second year. The batting was stronger than in recent seasons and had considerable depth with lower order batsmen scoring 800 plus runs to rescue the innings on more than one occasion. However, it was the seam bowling which really made the difference. No team mastered it and, remarkably on flat, dry pitches with little seam movement. The ground fielding was generally good and the catching at times exceptional.

Early season selections and trials for the Under 13s B were hampered by inclement weather but in general it was a good year with the highlight being the Taunton Festival with a very close finish on the last day against Kent losing by just 6 runs to finish 3rd. The Festival gives boys valuable experience against County A teams and the opportunity of developing a good team spirit.

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It was a good season for the Under 12As although not without its disappointments with some difficulty in chasing targets when batting second. The one disappointment was at Taunton when, having restricted the ultimate Festival winners Wales to 135, victory was missed with some abject batting. The Under 12B had a really impressive season with only one defeat against a strong North Yorkshire team containing 4 U12A players.

There was another wonderful season for the U11As, unbeaten again with a third consecutive victory at the Taunton Festival as well as retention of the Tony Hemingway Roses Trophy for the fourth year with victories against Lancashire both at home and away. Some of the boys had already gained experience with the U10s whilst three lads had enjoyed success at U11 during 2013. There was a willingness to learn and a determination to succeed. The week at Taunton was memorable and successful due to the depth of batting and strength in the bowling department with great variety and diversity. The weather was favourable throughout the season and the pitches and outfields were very good. The boys demonstrated excellent technique with good concentration and application in forging so many excellent partnerships in excess of 50.

For the Under 11B early predictions were impossible to make but with commitment to a team ethic a good measure of success was achieved with valuable lessons learned for the future. The one blip was 2 defeats by the auld enemy which will be a target for the boys to redress at 12B next season. There was some fine cricket played and good victories with a number of boys pushing hard for “A” selections next year. For next season the squad has been invited to visit Suffolk for a four match Festival at the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, a wonderful venue.

It was another good season and a big learning curve for the U10As moving from pairs cricket to 40 over matches. There were good wins over Lancashire, Leicestershire (twice) as well as Sussex and Surrey on the southern tour which was an enjoyable experience for boys and parents. The first season for the new group at U10B was most rewarding with some excellent performances from all the boys who will be looking to improve with winter nets ready for the new season. The Repton Festival was a great experience and will help them in their transition from pairs cricket to 40 over matches.

The 45th Under 19s festival at St.Peter’s School was another enjoyable week with mixed success against Lincolnshire (lost), Northumberland (drawn rain), Lancashire (won), MCC (lost) and Durham (won). The warm up match against XL Club resulted in a comfortable victory. Josh Holling (Silcoates School & Cawthorne CC) led the side which included 5 players from the previous year. There were 42 nominations received from affiliated schools. The Laurie Bennett Trophy winner, voted by the players was Harry Lister (grandson of Joe Lister, former County Club Secretary) (Ashville College/ Beckwithshaw CC) following some impressive performances with both bat and ball.

The Association again received widespread financial support from a number of sources including new sponsor Tesco who supplied playing shirts for all of the players. Long term supporters The P & A Partnership (Poppleton & Appleby) and the John Featherstone Memorial Foundation (Headingley Bookstall) continued along with The Friends of Yorkshire Schools including gift aid. There were 140 schools affiliated. The annual presentation dinner at the Grammar School at Leeds was attended by 190 boys, parents, officials and guests where England Selector James Whitaker was guest speaker for the presentations. A very first Junior Presentation Evening was held for under 10,11 and 12 squads where an attendance of 280 filled the Long Room at Headingley to accommodate the great interest generated by this group where the presentations were made by Karl Carver, Ben Coad, Matthew Fisher & James Wainman (all former YSCA boys) with the County Championship Trophy also on display.

Support for the Association was also forthcoming from many others including parents who made significant financial contributions. Our umpires, coaches and officials also gave unstintingly of their time along with parents who do so much in transporting the boys to the various matches. We are also fortunate in being able to call upon the many Clubs who so freely place their facilities at our disposal. The YSCA fixture booklet was again very well received.

The number of entries from Yorkshire into ESCA national competitions was as usual the highest of any County and reflects great credit on the officials who administer each of the County competitions. The U15 T20 drew 92 entries (organised by Gary Hebden) and the U14 ECB/ESCA Trophy 82 entries run by Ian Gould (Ashville College). The

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U12 David English Bunbury Cup attracted 68 entries and was run by Secretary Harold Galley. The Yorkshire Post U13 Schools Challenge with the semi-finals and final played at Headingley (under the guidance of Chairman Dr. Bernard Knowles) was a very special day and a great privilege to play on a test match venue with electronic scoreboards - an experience the boys will treasure for many years with 94 schools taking part.

We are pleased to welcome Mrs Urvi Vani to our Committee who has been helping with our fixture preparation and also James Wiggan who will be managing our under 14B team next year. He has recently moved from Durham where he looked after their under 13 squad.

Competitions:

Yorkshire U15 20/20 Trophy - Birkdale School Sheffield) beat St.Peter’s School (York) ESCA/ECB U14 Barbara Woolley Trophy - Ermysted’s GS (Skipton) beat Shelley Academy (Hudd) Yorkshire Post U13 Cricket Challenge- Ilkley Grammar School beat Richmond School with Holmfirth High School 3rd and Lady Lumley’s School 4th on Finals day at Headingley David English u12 Bunbury Cup- QEGS Wakefield beat Grammar School at Leeds ESCA u11 Hardball Yorkshire winners- Grammar School at Leeds - Oakham Finalists

3. REPORT FROM THE DISTRICT CRICKET WORKING PARTY

The district festivals were again a success in 2014 following on from the newly introduced age groups in 2013.

The under 11s festivals were held at Hymers College in Hull, St Peters School at York and Silcoates School in Wakefield. The standard of cricket was excellent with over 80 players able to show off their skills to the county age group selectors across the 3 festivals.

The under 12s festival ran successfully and is becoming a key age group to bridge the gap between the under 11s and 13’s festival, allowing players to be seen at a vital developmental age.

As in 2013 the under 13s festival was hit by bad weather during the spring Bank Holiday week with no cricket played during the entire Week.

The under 9’s festival was an extremely successful one again with over 80 players able to show off their talents at such a young age. This festival is fast becoming an excellent starting point for managers and coaches to get their first glimpse of the upcoming talent of the future. The festivals were held at Hymers College in Hull and Harrogate Cricket club.

I would like to thank everyone who has helped with District cricket in 2014, particularly all the clubs and volunteers that have made themselves available to the YCB and assisted in making District cricket successful.

We hope that by making some changes to the programme we can further increase the District cricket programme for 2015 and beyond.

Ross Atkinson

4. COMPETITIONS

The level of participation across all competitions has increased in 2014 with the County breaking the 2000 schools barrier for the first time.

Lady Taverners Indoor Competition The Lady Taverners competitions at Under 13s and Under 15s had strong showings in both age group county finals this year with 8 teams participating in each final. The Under 13s final was won again by Horizon Community

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College and the under 15s by Richmond School. Both teams went on to represent Yorkshire at the Northern National finals which were hosted by the YCB at Headingley where we welcomed 8 schools from 8 counties from across the North of England. At these finals both teams won their respective competitions and went to Lords to compete in the National final. Horizon came runners up in the U13 whilst Richmond went one better becoming U15 National champions for 2014. Well done to both schools.

Boys U13 Inter Cricket Boys Inter cricket remained much the same with a strong competition. The winners were Darton College. We will be looking to increase the participation of Boys cricket this coming winter and hope for a greater participation in 2014 in the form of an Under 15s competition, allowing those players who have played in the Under 13s competition to keep playing.

Chance to Compete 2014 is the first year that the county has run a full version on this competition after a trial run in 2013. The competition offers outdoor short format cricket for both Girls and Boys at Under 13 and 15 age groups. On finals day the winning side from each sub-region competed for a chance to be crowned Yorkshire champion at their age group.

The Under 13 mixed competition was won by Darton College from Barnsley. The mixed Under 15s was won by Woldgate College from Pocklington. In the girls competitions, as highlighted above, Horizon and Richmond were again the winners winning the Under 13 and 15 competitions respectively. All four schools progressed to the regional North of England finals.

We hope through our secondary school programme to increase the number of schools competing county wide for 2015. I would like to thank Clifton Alliance and York Cricket clubs for hosting the finals days

ECB Kwik Cricket Schools entering Year 6, Year 5 and Girls only ASDA Kwik cricket increased marginally with over 1400 schools taking part in competition throughout the county.

Pool-in-Wharfedale Primary School won the Year 6 event and Gladstone Road Primary school from Scarborough won the girls competition.

I would like to thank Clifton Alliance and York Cricket clubs for hosting the finals days.

Yorkshire for the second year running also hosted the North regional final hosting schools from all across the north of England and North Wales. In the Girls competition Thornhill Primary school from Rotherham beat Greenhill Primary from Sheffield in an all-Yorkshire final to become national champions and runners respectively. Congratulations to both schools.

Drax Cup The Drax cup saw its biggest year yet again in2014 with over 500 schools participating which was an increase of nearly 100 schools from 2013.

Finals day was held on Wednesday 2nd July at Headingley where Shawlands Primary school from Barnsley ran out the winners. Once again pupils from all finalists were able to watch the Yorkshire vs Durham T20 Blast game after the finals day.

I would like to thank everyone who has participated in and supported the competitions in 2014 to make them successful. Without the support it would simply not be possible. I look forward to another successful year in 2015 where we will look to keep increasing our number of schools participating and keep having successful schools representing Yorkshire in national competitions.

Ross Atkinson

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5. REPORT FROM JOE LUMB CRICKET COMPETITION AND THE YORKSHIRE JUNIOR CRICKET FESTIVAL

Fifteen areas / leagues competed for the Joe Lumb Trophy for under 17s. The semi-final qualifiers from the three divisions were Airedale & Wharfedale CL, East Yorkshire CA, Heavy Woollen JCL.and Scarborough. The winning semi-finalists played for the Joe Lumb Trophy and East Yorkshire retained the trophy by beating Aire-Wharfe by 8 wickets. Heavy Woollen won the Jack Lee Trophy play-off beating Scarborough by 8 wickets. The Management Committee thanks Aire-Wharfe CL and New Rover CC together with Heavy Woollen and Carlton CC for hosting the finals.

The Yorkshire Junior Cricket Festival covered age groups under 11s, under 13s and under 15s from 17 areas with a total of 89 scheduled fixtures.

In the Under 11s Heavy Woollen, Scarborough, Sheffield and Wetherby were group winners thereby qualifying for the semi-finals. In the final hosted by Spofforth C.C., Heavy Woollen won the competition for the sixth time defeating Sheffield.

The Under 13s finalists at Cleckheaton CC were North Yorkshire and Heavy Woollen. North Yorkshire triumphed to get their name on the trophy for the first time. The other two group winners and semi-finalists were Huddersfield and Nidderdale.

The Under 15s competition group winners were Doncaster, East Yorkshire, Huddersfield and North Yorkshire. In the Semi-finals Huddersfield defeated North Yorkshire and Doncaster beat East Yorkshire. In the final, played at Copley CC, Huddersfield made 361-7 in their 45 overs. In reply Doncaster were 77-6 off 19 overs when a thunderstorm caused the game to be abandoned with the ground resembling a lake. It proved impossible to arrange the game for a later date and the match was awarded subsequently to Huddersfield.

The Management Committee wishes to record its thanks to areas and clubs responsible for staging the various semi- finals and finals.

2015 will see an additional entry when Hambleton JCL join the Festival.

Andrew Clegg

H WOMENS CRICKET

1. REPORT FROM WOMENS CRICKET SUB-COMMITTEE Following the retirement of Salliann Briggs at the end of 2013, Lauren Winfield took the helm as captain in what proved to be a challenging season. After last year’s successes on the pitch the 1st team lost 4 out of their 8 league games, although 2 were cancelled due to poor weather. Moving forward this meant some reliance had to be placed on other results to maintain a spot in the top division. Thankfully, after Essex was relegated, Warwickshire and Somerset ended up fighting for the play-off and Yorkshire remain in division 1 for 2015. The T20 competition ended with Yorkshire positioned 4th in the division, thus remaining in the top tier for 2015.

A number of Yorkshire players continue to be involved in the England squad including Lauren Winfield, Kathryn Brunt and Dannielle Hazell as well as others from within the age group teams.

In the County Age Group competitions the U17s finished second in the group stage winning 6 out of their 8 matches. Unfortunately due to poor weather the T20 competition did not take place.

The U15s carried on through the group stage winning 7 out of 8 matches to triumph over Gloucestershire in the final to be crowned ECB National Champions 2014.

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In similar fashion the U13s carried on their 2013 success by winning 7 out of their 8 group games, including a close tied game against Staffordshire before beating Kent in the 2014 ECB National Finals. Congratulations to Jane Hildreth & Wendy Brown for directing the girls to a second concurrent ECB National Championship.

In stark contrast to the previous year the U11s played a total of 16 games including their tour to Malvern winning 12 in total. The Board’s thanks go to all the managers and coaches.

Yorkshire U11s, U13s and U17s attended the Malvern Festival in the summer of 2014 which will be repeated in in 2015, with the U15s also attending this coming year.

A very successful Presentation Evening was held at Headingley Stadium on Friday 28th November which saw more than 120 attending to celebrate the success of the season.

Richard Jones was also announced as Chairman following the open forum in March.

2014 was a great year for Women & Girls Cricket in Yorkshire and we are looking to build on the successes into 2015 and beyond.

James Spencer 2- WOMENS DEVELOPMENT WORK

The three previous taskforces of District, Club Participation & EPP Pathway and County where re-aligned this year. The EPP Pathway and County Taskforce has stayed the same and met several times to discuss pathway schemes and player development. We decided to bring together the district and club participation taskforce group as one. The group met in September for the first time to discuss new ways of getting women and girls into the game and agreed on a new format for the Girls District Competition - the U11 will play district festivals, whilst the U13/U15 will play a long format and a shorter format of the game. Both these groups feed into the Sub-Committee throughout the year.

The York & District Senior league have also taken a keen interest on how they can integrate women’s cricket in their league. 2015 will see a friendly festival format hosted on 4 different occasions and 4 different cricket clubs. The Northern Womens league and Nidderdale Ladies Evening league both continue to grow.

We have had a very successful year with Yorkshire U13s and U15s becoming ECB County Champions, Horizon School U13 Indoor Lady Taverners Champions, Richmond U15 Indoor Lady Taverners Champions, Barkisland U11 Lady Taverners Softball Champions, North Stainley Girls U13 Northern Lady Taverners Softball Champions, Wakefield Girls High School reached the final in the School Sport Cup and Wrenthorpe won the Lady Taverners U15 T20 competition.

A fantastic year: not sure how we are going to top this next year- we will definitely give it a go!!

Joe Ashdown

3. GIRLS COMPETITIONS District cricket fixtures continued with the Under 11s won by the West and the Under 13s and U15s by the North. East had to withdraw from the U15 competition as they could not raise a team.

Lady Taverners Competition Lots of secondary schools entered the Lady Taverners Girls Indoor Competition this winter through the Chance to Shine Secondary School Initiative. The winners from each area then progressed into the county final at Headingley. Horizon Girls U13 and Richmond Girls U15 were crowned champions and progressed into the National finals at Lords. Horizon U13 came runners up in the National Final & Richmond managed to win the National Finals- a fabulous effort. The Club Outdoor Girls Softball event was held at Elland CC and Barkisland Girls U11 and North Stainley Girls U13 were crowned champions and both went to the Northern

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Regional finals and won that too. Well done to all.

Asda Kwik Cricket- a report is included in the Competitions report

Joe Ashdown

4. WOMEN’S CRICKET DEVELOPMENT GROUPS

East Yorkshire Women and Girls Cricket Development Group At club level this year we saw the development of Yapham and The Wolds, Cottingham CC and Bolton Percy CC which all progress with more girls playing the game. Summer Camps and Taster days were set up and fully supported by Yorkshire Cricket Board. However to progress the Development Group would like to see more clubs into taking the step into introducing girls cricket.

The East Yorkshire W&G programme will have a new restructure in 2015 with more support from key partners including the addition of Lincolnshire Girls in all representative fixtures and further links with schools through the Chance to Shine programme. We are also looking to introduce some have-a-hit type festivals for women to replicate the fantastic work that Driffield Town CC have done in recent years.

East Yorkshire must progress this year to engage with more women & girls.

Joe Ashdown & Colin Walford

West Yorkshire Women and Girls Cricket Development Group

The Association again organised a successful Bronze Centre at St Mary's, Menston but the centre in 2015 will be based at Woodlands CC since it is felt that there is a healthy number of girls in the Halifax / Huddersfield area which we feel will support the centre. The age group teams performed very well with a good number moving up from district cricket to make the grade at county level. We are also considering providing additional coaching support for those girls who missed out on the Silver and Gold pathways but are probably too experienced for the Bronze centre. We have coach / managers in place for next year's match programme and hope to support the initiatives being made by Joe Ashdown and the county.

Brian Wheeler

North Yorkshire Women and Girls Cricket Development Group Pathways numbers (38) were similar to the previous year although they increased significantly once outdoor trials and matches started. In addition to running the Bronze pathways in Boroughbridge we ran a development centre in York. Details are already with the girls for the Boroughbridge centre which will run for 8 weeks from the end of January. Over 60 girls have initially been invited.

We continue to be grateful to the YCCC Charitable Youth Trust for their support for our Pathways projects in 2014.

For 2014 the U15 won all matches and the U13 won all matches with 8 North girls in County Squad. The U11 played some close competitive matches but were not as strong as previous seasons due to county activities and a new U17 side played and beat both Lincolnshire and Durham.

The North Yorkshire Girls Friendly League, now in its third season, welcomed new entrants in Acomb and Clifton Alliance Tigers although Harrogate struggled to raise a side this year. . We hope to welcome three more teams in 2015, Alne, Ben Rhydding and Pateley Bridge.

9 teams have competed in the League : Acomb; Bolton Percy; Clifton Alliance Tigers; Harrogate; Horsforth; Knaresborough; Pannal; Richmond; North Stainley, the last named retained the league title followed closely this year by Bolton Percy .

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We organised the second annual Girls Tournament at Scarborough Cricket Club, welcoming eleven teams at both U12 and U15 levels. The Senior Final saw two North Yorkshire sides battle it out for the honours this year with the A side came out narrow winners, whilst Lydia Morgan won the most promising Player of the Tournament Award.

The Junior Tournament saw the well-drilled newcomers from Northumberland, overcoming North Yorkshire to win by 1 wicket in the final over.

We held our third annual end of season tournament in mid- September at Harrogate Cricket Club. It has grown considerably such that there were over 130 girls attending this year playing for 14 teams on 4 pitches. The senior event saw Bolton Percy take the honours, after beating last year’s winners, North Stainley, and finish unbeaten. In the inaugural intermediate event, a joint North Stainley and Harrogate team were too strong for their opponents, whilst in the junior section Alne, a team who were only founded a couple of months previously, took the honours.

The district sides continue to thrive. We introduced an under 17 side to retain girls in the sport and they beat two county sides in their matches whilst 17 girls represented the county in the different age groups.

John Skinner

South Yorkshire Women and Girls Cricket Development Group The girls at all age groups enjoyed their cricket and all the matches that did take place were all played within the spirit of the game. On a playing front the girls did well at all age groups, winning matches at Under 15s, 13s and 11s. This season also saw us host a Master Class with help from the E.C.B. for the girls in August which again was well attended. Lauren Winfield from the current Ladies England Team was there and commented on the standard of the girl’s cricket within Yorkshire.

The Bronze Development Centre was down on numbers this year. This seems to be due the fact that girls are going on Bronze Pathways year-in-year-out and are unable to make the next step to Silver Pathways. This was again raised at a YCB meeting and is something that we need to address. We as a group are now looking at the difference from Bronze to Silver with a view to operate a Bronze + pathway to enable girls to be more ready for the next step (this is work in progress, we now have a template to work to). Many thanks to Paul Garner who organised this and all the coaches who coached on the Pathway.

The development group again provided training for the girls on Friday evenings throughout the winter, having only school breaks off and a big thank you is due to Mark Tordoff for again arranging these nets, coordinating and organising the coaching requirements along with developing session plans for these sessions. In addition to the Friday sessions we also hosted some Saturday - Sunday sessions which included a bowling net and 2 bowling machine lanes - this was for the respective age groups and again was well attended and again a big thanks must go to Mark Tordoff for the time and effort put in organising this.

South Yorkshire Girls again entered a team in an indoor league hosted by Sheffield University. All the girls involved thoroughly enjoyed playing in this competition again.

On an administrative front I would like to thank the committee for their valued support throughout the season. The AGM was held in early October, the post holders remaining in place apart from Pauline Heath who expressed her wish to retire from the post. This was known early on and we actively looked to recruit a replacement,which we have found in Fiona Middleton with the help of her husband Paul (both their daughters attend our training). Pauline Heath was elected as a Life Vice President due to all the work that she has contributed over many years in developing Women and Girls cricket in South Yorkshire.

This year the group have been reaping the rewards from the coaching that has been provided with more girls from the group going on to to represent Yorkshire at different age groups. This year saw Yorkshire provide cricket at the Under 11s age group which saw players from SYW&GDDG being selected for this squad.

Andrew Payling

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I - DISABILITY CRICKET

1. REPORT FROM DISABILITY CRICKET

We have continued to look to develop links with key partner agencies to aid more people with a disability playing cricket within Yorkshire. The focus has been in communities, day care centres and within care homes. We have looked to take the sessions to the people in consultation as to what their needs are rather than setting up sessions and expecting participants to come. This year we have seen 2195 different people with a disability wanting to play cricket within the county.

We are working closely with Help the Heroes to look to try and signpost these soldiers back into cricket and with a view hopefully of into our county VI & PD/LD teams.

We have also appointed at Disability Engagement Coach delivering in 20 SEN schools who will also develop mental health cricket leagues, supporting the national table cricket leagues and helping coach the VI/PD/LD teams - another exiting year ahead.

Gareth Davis . PHYSICAL AND LEARNING SQUAD

The county team played a number of matches but again these were friendlies. The highlight of the season was the fantastic win against Lancashire at Undercliffe C.C. A group of players have been recommended to go forward to the Regional Training Centres. Philip Baker, Drew White and William Baxter are now involved fully and we hope they may eventually move into the respective full England teams.

Yorkshire have four international players in Gordon Laidlaw and Liam Thomas (Physical Disability) and Rob Hewitt and Alex Jervis (Learning Disability. The last two have been selected to represent England in a LD tri nation tournament in Australia and we look forward to hearing how they do.

Finally 2015 sees the reintroduction of two competitive competitions. The first is a 9 a side incrediball league and the other is a 40 over hardball league. It is hoped that Yorkshire will be able to enter both these.

Haydon Coventry

YORKSHIRE VI CRICKET Season 2014 saw a new secretary at YVICC in Rob Arrowsmith

YVICC didn’t have its best season with too many draws and narrow defeats. Two redeeming features, however, were the individual award made to Rob Arrowsmith as the best totally blind batsman of the season and the club being honoured with the Spirit of Cricket Award for sporting behaviour. Maybe we wouldn’t have received it if all the narrow defeats had been narrow victories. We’ll try to do better in the forthcoming season.

Rob Arrowsmith

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J BLACK MINORITY ETHNIC CRICKET

1. REPORT FROM THE BLACK AND MINORITY ETHNIC FORUM

The BME Forum met 3 times in 2014. The Forum provides a lively, passionate and healthy debate and they are a very strong group. Membership of the Forum has been maintained during the year and includes active representatives from all BME areas. The Forum is chaired by newly appointed YCB Director, Umar Rafiq.

We have also set up a small BME Working Party to help support the delivery of high quality programmes in the development centres and create opportunities to find future funding streams which is chaired by Taj Butt who has recently been appointed as Community Development Officer for Leeds and Bradford. The Working Party has met twice this year.

Shiv Krishan has taken over from Tony Bowry as Lead Officer in this area of development.

There were 11 BME/Inner City Development Centres active in 2014 with 491 weekly attendees, 42 coaches and the 11 centres covering 30 clubs. Most centres ran between 4 and 8 weeks. Seven centres had attendances of over 40 per session, whilst three of the centres achieved over 60. All centres were supported by volunteers. .

We are completely indebted to the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation for their fantastic support and financial assistance in enabling us to continue with our BME/ Inner City Development Centres in 2014.

The Forum also paid tribute to Farid Karolia who had very sadly passed away during the summer after a long illness. His influence will forever remain with Yorkshire BME Communities.

Farid Karolia Cup which is an U11 indoor BME Competition was held at the Yorkshire Cricket Centre at Headingley. 8 centres had entered the competition which was won by Sheffield. The matches were played in a great spirit throughout and the players had a stadium tour.

Andrew Watson

K - COACH EDUCATION

1. REPORT FROM THE YCB COACHES ASSOCIATION

12 months on from my last report and little has changed. The work on the re-alignment of the branches with local junior leagues initially gave a new impetus to the YCBCA but attendance at meetings has dropped off again. We are therefore looking at new ways to revitalise the YCBCA in conjunction with “Yorkshire Cricket”, a joint venture between the YCB, YCCC and the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation. We still have areas of the county, notably Wakefield and Heavy Woollen, where we need to set up communication channels to support local coaches and their development. This is also part of the ECBCA 4 year programme based on the target to “Inspire participation and maximise performance of cricket coaches and players”.

The November 2014 conference was a great success and thanks must go to Carl Parkin and Rob Clayton for the organisation of the conference to ensure the smooth running of the sessions. Presentations by “Yorkies” Salliann Briggs and Paul Shaw were well received and practical demonstrations by Paul Nixon and Richard Horner kept delegates on their toes. Particular thanks to Richard for stepping in at the last minute when we were let down by presenters. About 60 delegates attended the conference and I am still surprised that, with a county membership of over 1000 qualified coaches, we cannot get more attendees.

Thanks are also due to the YCB staff who support the work of the YCBCA all year round. Without their day-to-day work we would not have had the success we have enjoyed in the last twelve months.

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Please encourage any qualified coaches you know who are not ECBCA members to join. It is my strong belief that it is the best £30 you will spend in cricket.

Ian Hales

2. REPORT ON COACH EDUCATION

This year saw the introduction of the new L2 courses i.e The ECB Certificate in Coaching Children and the ECB Certificate in Coaching Young People and Adults. As a result of the change the number of courses organised was significantly reduced with 4 Coaching Children and 4 Coaching Young People and Adults being run. 2 of the Coaching Children Course were organised for overseas professional cricketers. These courses created approximately 68 Children Coaches and 67 YP&A coaches. The course numbers are expected to increase next year.

The ECB provided £15466 in sponsorship which means that 123 candidates will receive £125 each as part re- imbursement of their course fees.

In addition there were 4 Cricket Activator, 1 Coaching for Teachers and 1 Safeguarding Young Cricketers courses organised. The Safeguarding Young Cricketers is an on-line module which saw 100 coaches re-new their safeguarding certificates.

As always, my thanks go to the team of course organisers and tutors/assessors for their help during the year. . David Tighe

L - OFFICIALS

1. REPORT FROM THE YCB OFFICALS ASSOCIATION

Yorkshire is by far the largest of the 39 counties that make up the ECB area. By November 2014 we had 921 current members, with a number of applications still being processed. This Yorkshire membership represents more than 10% of the total membership of ACO. As participation in sport generally is declining, retaining membership numbers is to be considered a success.

We are fortunate that we are represented on the ECB ACO Board (by Philip Radcliffe) and that Glyn Pearson is the Northern Executive Officer for ECB ACO. Terry Bentham and Rob Smith lead the way in Performance and Education, and Dave Ward is the Regional Appointments Officer. Hilary Oliver looks after scorers and Steve Ward is the Regional Scorers Officer. The size of the County, and the numbers involved, mean it can be difficult maintaining consistently high standards throughout the whole area. With the exception of Glyn, all the Officers, Tutors, Assessors and committee members are volunteers, and put in extraordinary effort throughout the year, in many different ways.

Winter 2013/4 saw an increase in the number of umpire and scorer training courses organised in the county, with a much increased number of participants. There were 14 Level 1 courses, 3 Level 1A courses and 1 Level 2 course. 132 candidates started the Level 1 courses, but not all were able to complete for a variety of reasons. Of those who did, 118 were successful and gained the qualification. 40 and 16 candidates undertook Levels 1A and 2 respectively. 4 umpires from the county have been invited to attend a Level 3 course.

Sadly there was no Level 1 scorers’ course in Yorkshire due to lack of numbers. There were Level 2 and 3 courses for the Northern Region (held in Yorkshire) as well as several introductory courses. Every branch will be encouraged to run at least one scorers’ course in 2015. The results of the national cricket survey highlighted the importance that players place on statistics (64% said that the provision of statistics was important) and providing a cohort of competent, qualified scorers will help collect and disseminate this information.

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If ECB cannot insist that all umpires be members of ACO, it is up to every league to insist that the umpires officiating in that league, whether as neutral appointed panel umpires, or as club umpires, be members of ACO. The benefits of membership include comprehensive insurance cover, training opportunities, dissemination of best practice, and, as a result, improved standards and greater consistency

Some Leagues have already introduced, and others are considering, mentoring of umpires new to umpiring, or new to the league, as well as boundary and/or on field observations and assessments. There are clear benefits in the personal development of individual officials, as well as identifying umpires with potential, and moving them along the progression pathway. It is to be hoped this process can be extended and applied more generally.

Existing umpires may seek to persuade others to take up umpiring, or scoring, but the ultimate responsibility rests with the clubs. If the current shortage of officials is to be addressed, individual clubs must put forward new umpires.

The average age of the membership in Yorkshire is too high. It is one area where Yorkshire as a whole fares badly in comparison with other counties. We need to make cricket officiating attractive to recruits of all ages, and we need to encourage younger members.

Steven Wood

M - GROUNDS

1. REPORT FROM YCB GROUNDSMANS ASSOCIATION

As in 2013 the AGM scheduled for March 2014 had to be abandoned, this time not due to weather but because of a lack of members attending. This has been a cause for discussing when is the best time for groundsmen to hold their annual seminar and general meeting. An autumn meeting will likely mean a purely indoor meeting whilst the “normal” spring meeting does allow a more varied programme of events which could include outdoor activities.

At the 2014 AGM, held in October, a change of officials was elected. The change was brought about by the resignation of Iain Mallett as secretary due to work commitments. Martin Kingston has taken over as Secretary whilst Malcolm Maw has stepped in to the seat as Chairman. Iain Mallett has reverted to his previous role as the Regional Representative for South Yorkshire with the assistance of Mark Pearson (one of the two County Pitch Advisors). We also have Steven Davies as regional representative for North Yorkshire (Teesside) and a league representative for Craven League in Richard Webster. Unfortunately we still have no regional representative for West Yorkshire and we continue to have Malcom Maw as the representative for North Yorkshire and Martin Kingston as that for East Yorkshire.

Once again a specific membership package for the leagues was available in 2014 year and although some leagues took up this offer many others did not. The more leagues that register their clubs membership the more we can provide tailored courses to these leagues and at a greater number of locations. Leagues that do take up the offer, which will again be available for 2015, also are able to nominate a representative to the GA of their own and thereby have a direct voice at the Association.

The committee also continues to look at ways to increase membership and increasing the ways of providing information that will help with your groundsmanship. The association will also be exploring other possibilities with the IoG and ECB early in 2015. This may lead to a number of changes that will require an extra-ordinary meeting to vote the changes through.

The Association continues to subsidise the training courses run by the IoG. This year we ran both a spring course, in April, and an autumn course in August with Kirkstall Educational CC hosting both. The Association thanks the Kirkstall club for their support in providing the venue and to Dave Hodgson, Rod Heyhoe and David Robinson for their time and expertise as support to the IoG.

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At the end of March Ian Powell resigned from the YCB and moved to a new position with the IoG. So although we lost his direct input and guidance through the Board he will still be involved with groundsmanship. I wish to record the Association’s thanks to Ian for all the hard work he has done over the years for the groundsmen of Yorkshire.

Our thanks also go to Iain Mallett for his hard work and commitment to the GA.

The GA is only as strong and active as its members and we can only produce better wickets for players to use if we are strong and active. The wider the network of active groundsmen the more experience and knowledge can be passed on so that good pitches are made available on which good cricket can be played.

Martin Kingston

N - REPORTS FROM AREA CRICKET COUNCILS

1. WEST YORKSHIRE

Another busy year for this Council with increased activities in the various competitions run.

The West Yorkshire Area Council Cup Competition was a success with 8 Leagues entering teams culminating in a very successful final hosted by the Wetherby League at Saxton C.C. near Tadcaster. The Airedale & Wharfedale League were the winners beating the York Senior League. Our thanks go to Saxton C.C. for their excellent hospitality and our secretary Stephen pickles for his diligence.

Our 6 a side competition was held at Woodlands again and enjoyed by all who took part. The qualifiers for the YCB /ECB round to be held at Headingley were Bradford League (Woodlands) and Dales Council League (Halifax Direct). As a result of our competition the YCB have asked West Yorkshire to organise the final on their behalf. Our thanks go to Ian Livesey for the work he puts into these competitions.

We received a number of applications this year from organisations for grants toward costs for running various courses i.e., coaches, umpires, first aid etc., plus clubs who had been badly hit by vandalism. All were considered and we were able to give grants totalling £840.

All Councils/organisations experience problems with attendances at meetings. The WYACC are not immune to this and the officers decided at the beginning of the year to put in place a system which we hope will encourage attendances. A sum of money has been allocated for sharing between the leagues who attend meetings on the basis of 1 share per attendance, to qualify, a minimum of 2 attendances are required of the 4 meetings held each year. It will be interesting to see the apportioned amounts when distribution is announced at the AGM in January.

My thanks go to all members of our executive who have given me such good support over the past 12 months

Brian Lymbery - Chairman of Council

West Group Our sub- group met in March at Kirkheaton and at Blackley in September with combined meetings at Cleckheaton in January (AGM) and June. The average number present was 13 at the sub-group.

The player’s surveys for both 2013 and 2014 featured prominently on both agendas. Our Leagues once again contributed considerably to the 2014 ECB Player Survey. The meetings also received feedback on the YCB Senior Leagues and ECB Nominated Leagues meetings.

Other main topics covered included agreeing that Disciplinary Appeals would be dealt with by an independent panel from the Area Council and block membership by Leagues to the YCB Groundsman Association was encouraged. We had updates on Coaching activities, ACO input, Schools Cricket and not least the significant issues covered by

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our very active Cricket Development Groups. Your body’s attendance is vital to ensure feedback to YCB Council. Thank you for your continued support.

David Normanton – Chairman

East Group We have held 2 meetings this year since the AGM and a joint meeting in June and although only 8 to 10 were in attendance which could have been better lively discussions took place.

The subject of player retention was particularly covered with most leagues feeling that there was a need to reduce length of games for 2nd/3rd X1 teams. It was agreed that we are losing juniors who find it a big jump from 20 over cricket to 40/50 overs with result they stop playing. Another important topic was a player loan system which could help to retain players not able to play every week at their club.

Steve Raistrick – Chairman

Aire-Wharfe Cricket Development Group A quiet year again with no coaching course organised which is a bit disappointing but the group will also continue to subsidise club members wanting to do their coaching qualifications.

We have however organised a scoring course and supported the acquisition and maintenance of Clubmark with a small number of clubs. Junior cricket continues to thrive in the area and the local league welcomed a couple of new clubs to their numbers although sadly New Rover CC has given notice that their junior section has finished but hopefully only temporarily.

Brian Wheeler

Bradford West Cricket Development Group We have only met twice during 2014. The Secretary has been working away and this has caused difficulties for the Group. This matter has now resolved itself.

Some of the main things covered during our meetings were: 1. How the structures and organisation of the ECB and YCB are changing so our clubs are aware how to contact and access key information they might need. 2. The future of CDGs and have considered how we can make the CDG more relevant to our Clubs, and show how we can add value to their work in the community. 3. What we can do to support cricket coaching in our Clubs. We have again organised one of the new courses to ensure we train as many new coaches as possible. 4. We have reviewed the ECB’s Survey of Players and ex-players and have tried to support the push to reduce the number of players leaving the game between the ages of 14 and 24. We tried to organise an Indoor Tournament and in the end have liaised with “Last Man Stands” to promote Indoor leagues in West Yorkshire and in Bradford. 5. We have liaised with local Clubs to support Project Front Foot and send kit and other items to India to this project which helps get Street Children into cricket. 6. We attend YCB Forums and ensure all information from these is sent on and its relevance explained to Local Clubs. 7. We have continued to regularly (usually weekly) pass on information we receive from the ECB, YCB, IOG, etc. to our Local Clubs to ensure they remain connected and up to date 8. At our meetings our Clubs share what they have been doing or are planning to do and Clubs help each other by explaining how they have managed to implement various initiatives within their clubs. Many Clubs find this aspect of our meeting very helpful in delivering their own development plans. 9. We maintain our own website (which we admit could be better!) where we keep a Library of most of the key information we receive, which is available to any Club who misses our meetings or mailings.

Going forward 1. We are running the new Young Persons & Adult Coaching Course (started Nov 2014 and full).

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2. We are setting up arrangements between our smaller Local clubs and their Schools and introducing the Chance to Shine Programme into these15-20 schools in partnership with the YCB. 3. We are also offering to carry out a “Clubmark Audit” for some of our smaller Local Clubs, who have often started the process but have been unable to complete it and 4. Carrying out an Annual Review of Priorities – We do this every year. What do our clubs want/need? It is important for us to keep in touch with they our Clubs really need.

We will try to meet quarterly in 2015 and continue to supply our clubs with the information they need to maximise the development of their clubs. In that way we hope to remain relevant to their needs. Many thanks to all the clubs and their members who have supported the Bradford West CDG over the last year

Ed Duguid

Calderdale Cricket Development Group 3 Meetings were held in January, April and October with an average of 24 attendees and the following main topics were discussed.

Richard Wilkinson gave a detailed presentation about the huge changes being made by the ECB regarding Coach Education. Paul Berry attended and talked about the Last Man Standing evening league. Stephen Williams reported on the YCB Forum he had attended at Headingley and Steve Archer gave detailed reports on the ECB Players’ Survey and also the various funding available.

Stephen Williams gave Clubmark updates at each meeting. A scoring course was again organised by the CCDG for March/April, which was attended by 14 young people.

A new website was launched in October which is very robust and supported by all systems, user-friendly and will self-adjust to fit either phone or tablet. A twitter account has also been established @calderdalecdg

Julie Pearson

Huddersfield Cricket Development Group The Huddersfield CDG has held 2 meetings in 2014, and, whilst all clubs are welcome and invited, in the main attendance is made up of clubs from within the Holme Valley area (around 9 in total). These clubs continue to take advantage of priority booking slots for indoor nets at the Holmfirth Sports Centre and in 2014 were instrumental in the organisation and delivery of a successful Boys Academy. All clubs continue to ‘adopt’ a local primary school and fully support YCB endorsed schools competitions.

Also delivered at the meetings was a presentation on the 2014 National Player survey outcomes and impact on the game etc., and in 2014 the group organised and delivered a coach development day with emphasis on both good coaching practice and a number of associated drills relevant to candidates of differing ages and abilities.

Spen Valley CDG The group didn’t meet during 2014 due to a lack of buy-in from clubs

Leeds CDG The Leeds East and North East CDG has held 2 meetings in 2014 and attendance was initially excellent but it has to be said numbers dwindled, despite positive feedback from all involved.

Topics which appeared to be of most value have included club case studies on development of facilities from conception to completion, developing links with local schools to help strengthen junior sections, club fundraising ideas and the possibility of organising a Coach Support Worker course (old Level 1) in the main to target potential support via parents.

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Wakefield In 2013 the 2 meetings held were poorly attended, resulting in the resignation of both the Chair and secretary. A new volunteer came forward offering to support the group in 2014 and was extremely supportive and proactive, which saw a real opportunity for the group to become re-established. Unfortunately due to illness this person was unable to continue and the group has not at this stage managed to meet since the 2013 meetings.

Bradford North / South Despite numerous attempts no meetings have been held in 2014. It has been suggested that any interested clubs may be invited to attend the successful Bradford West group (this has yet to be confirmed).

Steve Archer

2 EAST YORKSHIRE

East Yorkshire Area Cricket Council started 2014 with the Annual Meeting where all the existing officials were re- elected. The Council have met a further twice during the year with every meeting well attended by the leagues, development groups, coaches, officials and groundsmen. The reports from these representatives show that cricket in East Yorkshire continues to be in reasonable health.

Unfortunately I have to report the demise of two long established evening leagues in the Hull Work Sports and the Newland Evening League. Unfortunately both competitions suffered with a loss of teams and their respective committees deemed that it was not feasible to run the competitions any longer.

Adult participation has, however, seen an increase in 2014 as a new Indoor league was set up in Hull by the former CDM Reece Bird. This indoor league re-commenced in November and there are plans for a new league to be run in Beverley early in 2015 and a further expansion to Bridlington towards the end of the year. This is thanks to our new CDM Joe Ashdown. Also during 2014 a new franchise for Last Man Stands was successfully created around Hull with a number of new teams alongside existing clubs.

The junior competitions continue to be well supported with all age groups completing their cup competitions during the year. The East Yorkshire representative side retaining the Joe Lumb Trophy was the real highlight for 2014.

In an unprecedented move The York Vale League opted to assist one of their clubs with a press campaign to bring new players in to the club. This campaign has been successful and the club, which had been suspended, will be applying for re-admission in 2015. Along the same theme I am happy to report that Hull CC will also be re- applying for membership to the Yorkshire Premier League following an amalgamation with another local club.

Martin Kingston

East Yorkshire Northern Cricket Development Group The Northern Cricket Development Group met in November with Joe Ashdown, CDM, chairing the meeting. The group have decided to meet twice a year and have themed meetings. The clubs that attend the meetings are provided with specific information that contributes to supporting the grassroots game at local and county level. The group is also a sounding board for any new formats of the game. They also take an active role in supporting the new Adult Participation formats we have set up in East Yorkshire and also W&G Participation.

The group is also looking to host generic courses over the coming months and is keen to push the W&G format across East Yorkshire. The more clubs that attend the more beneficial it will be for all, we like to share best practice and generate new, innovative ways of running and managing cricket clubs.

Joe Ashdown

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Goole & Selby Area Cricket Development group. The Goole and Selby Area Cricket Development Group held 3 meetings in 2014 which were useful for the exchange of information, particularly with some of our clubs making use of the ECB small grants scheme and CricketForce funding. 2 meetings were chaired by the outgoing East Yorks Cricket Development Manager, Reece Bird, and 1 in December chaired by new CDM Joe Ashdown. First Aid courses were organised and successful. Invitations were sent out to around 25 Clubs in the local area with about 10 Clubs regularly attending.

David Caldicott

Hull Cricket Development Group The Hull Cricket Development Group met in November with Joe Ashdown, CDM, chairing the meetings and taking the minutes. The group have decided to meet twice a year and have themed meetings. The clubs that attend the meetings are provided with specific information that contributes to supporting the grassroots game at local and county level. The group is also a sounding board for any new formats of the game and they take an active role in supporting the new Adult Participation formats we have set up in East Yorkshire and also W&G Participation.

The group is also looking to host generic courses over the coming months and is keen to push the W&G format across East Yorkshire. The more clubs that attend the more beneficial it will be for all, we like to share best practice and generate new, innovative ways of running and managing cricket clubs.

Joe Ashdown

3. NORTH EAST YORKSHIRE

The Area Council meets about three times per annum with typically five leagues represented in person. It enables leagues to be briefed on the future direction of the YCB and has discussed how to implement changes following the results of the national players’ survey. A major concern is the future of the Cleveland League which is threatened owing to the lack of clubs, grounds and players. A separate meeting has been held with league officials to try and facilitate a survival plan.

Steve Donlan

Tees Valley Cricket Development Group The TVCDG tends to meet about twice per annum and last met in May 2014. With the loss of Chance to Shine funding for the majority of clubs, this removed a major reason for the group meeting more regularly. Approximately 8 clubs typically attend. Going forward, the group could utilise some of its funds to help develop girls and under 9 cricket in our area but we will need someone to lead specifically in these areas for this to blossom.

Steve Donlan

4 SOUTH YORKSHIRE

The year got off to a great start when the Dearne CC side, the South Yorkshire representatives in the National Indoor Cricket Competition, won the Final at Lords on March 16th.

The South Yorkshire SCL Clubs voted to go ahead with the proposed ECB South Yorkshire Premier League starting in 2016, and the detailed proposals are being worked upon by representatives of the various Leagues involved in the project for Yorkshire as a whole.

The Clubs from both the South Yorkshire Alliance Cricket League and the South Yorkshire Senior Cricket League have voted unanimously to merge after the SYACL were experiencing difficulty retaining players and teams. This will be effective from the start of season 2015, with the SYSCL splitting divisions 3,4 and 5 into East and West sections, and a League containing 108 teams.

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With a greater need for umpires in view of the merger referred to above, the league has agreed to pay the room costs and ACO membership fees for umpires taking the Level 1 Umpires Course, provided the umpire agrees to officiate in the league or the Yorkshire & Derbyshire League. Such an umpire will pay only the £30 charge for the ECB work pack. This means that the cost of the course will be less than one match fee. Three Level 1 umpires courses are arranged for the county starting in Doncaster on 4th January, Sheffield on 22nd January and Rotherham on 4th February. In addition there is a Level 1A course over the week-end of 14th and 15th February. There is also a Level 1 Scorers Course on the 17th and 18th January in Rotherham, and the SYSCL is to require each Club to have a level 1 or equivalent scorer by the beginning of season 2015.

Alan Farnell

Doncaster Cricket Development Group The group met on 2 occasions in 2014 and meetings are being arranged in February 2015 for pre-season to discuss any individual club issues and arrange District Teams. The group remains financially viable and has retained sponsors for 2015. Thanks go in particular to Furniture Factors for their continued support of Junior Cricket in the area.

The group’s Secretary Richard Haslam has advised he is to stand down and we thank him for his effort and services to the group. Subject to final confirmation Tracey Smith is to be appointed as the Group’s secretary.

Congratulations to the Carl Woodiwiss and his District Under 15 team for reaching the YCJF final. Thanks also to all who assisted in running the District sides and provided venues in 2014 and particular thanks to Ashley Boothman and Dave Greensmith for their input.

There have been, and continue to be, major changes within the cricket leagues in the Area, the Sheffield and Doncaster Alliance merging with the South Yorkshire Senior Cricket League recently. The Group will monitor the effect these changes have.

Warmsworth CC and Tickhill CC both received grants for Pavilion refurbishments. Warmsworth’s work was completed in 2014 and Tickhill’s is well on the way to being finished before the 2015 Season.

Ian Cotterhill

Sheffield Cricket Development Group The CDG did not meet regularly as planned in 2014. However when we did meet the following points were discussed: Club education, Chance to Shine, Clubmark and support, Adult Player Retention

Michelle Smith

Barnsley Cricket Development Group In 2014 we have held 3 Development Group meetings over the year, averaging 7 clubs in attendance along with members from the Barnsley Cricket League, Barnsley Junior League and Barnsley Rep squads. The main topics that the group discussed at the meetings over the past year were funding opportunities, Kwik cricket competitions, ECB coaching courses and the Sport England funding bid.

Last year Gareth Davis and I wrote a funding application for a pot of money for the development group to have a coaching course in Barnsley for its coaches and this was eventually granted in March 2014. A course was arranged for the New Year for the development groups coaches to gain the Level 2 coaching qualification at a subsidised cost. The attendance of clubs has declined slightly but has seen the introduction of the Barnsley Representative squads involved in the meetings. With the message getting out to clubs that the development group is putting on coaching courses for those that attend our meetings then in the coming year we hope to see the attendance increase .

Dean Smith

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Rotherham Cricket Development Group The group has 15 members and usually meets quarterly or when it is appropriate depending on news and events, at Rotherham Town CC. Agenda items support the YCB Regional Development Priorities and local needs. Minutes are circulated and used by members to cascade news/information to club Committees and to garner club views and opinions when required.

Topics for 2014 have included: Clubmark – Attainment, evidence and annual review process. Club/Cricket Development – Adult participation, pub teams, Last Man Stands, ECB/YCB/League news and information, Cup games, Spirit of Cricket and other initiatives and opportunities. Junior Development – Schools Sports Partnership, Chance to Shine, Tournaments/festivals, Rotherham Development Centre, Representative sides. Young Leaders courses. Retention/increased participation – Ideas on how to encourage participation especially in the 14 years plus cohort as well as women and girls and disability cricket. Volunteers – Training, management and ways and initiatives to encourage new members/players to clubs. Increased Partnership working with Voluntary Action Rotherham. The group was represented at a VAR volunteer evening event. As well there was a feature article in the local press to highlight the variety of volunteer roles available. Funding – Information on funding streams, flood defence, renewable/green energy schemes, financial and ‘in-kind’ sponsorship and sharing of best practice. NatWest Cricket Force– Publicising, Registration and possible case studies. Safeguarding & Coach Education – training courses etc. Activator Course - The pilot for this course was organised and taken forward in Rotherham. Key Partner updates – Voluntary Action Rotherham, RMBC, and SSP/College Makers.

Dawn Nicklin

5 NORTH YORKSHIRE

The North Yorkshire Area Cricket Council continues to operate as two regional sections due to the large geographical area. The East Area has struggled to hold any meetings this year. Richard Wilkinson the North Yorkshire Cricket Development Manager, has been working with the North Yorkshire East Area Council and the district to pull together the organisations that need to be involved and it is hoped a meeting will be held shortly.

The area was dealt a further blow in September when Simon Hird, who was their secretary and YCB delegate, was forced to resign due to work commitments. Simon will be greatly missed and all at the YCB thank him for his outstanding service to the area. Although it all appears to be doom and gloom in the area, Strategic Meetings have been held regularly and through this mechanism Associations, Leagues and Clubs are receiving the vital information.

The West Area has met three times this year and it’s fair to say attendance has been smaller than would be hoped. Yet there have been improved communications in the area and whilst it is not always possible for representatives to attend the meetings, there is a greater confidence that the relevant people from Associations, Leagues and Clubs are getting the information disseminated.

It is a new era for Yorkshire Cricket and there is much talk about the structure of the cricket board, a pyramid system forming for senior clubs and leagues, increase in the affiliation fees and the package available etc. All this information has to be correctly communicated, fear gossip and rumour isn’t the correct way. So whilst we remain grateful for the support we have received from colleagues and the YCB, we still need other volunteers from the North Yorkshire area to get involved and for cricketing bodies in the area to better communicate with the area council if we are to provide a valuable function.

Junior cricket in the area continues to be strong with the Upper Airedale, Hambleton, Derwent Valley and York and District Junior Cricket Leagues running league and cup competitions across U9, U11, U13, U15 and U17 age groups. Separate representative teams from York, Scarborough and Upper Airedale were entered for Joe Lumb and

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Yorkshire Festival district cricket competitions with Hambleton joining the Yorkshire Festival in 2015.

Also the Upper Airedale Junior Cricket Association is embarking on a comprehensive coaching scheme which will involve all ages and all abilities. Their new Coaching Administrator, Jeremy Holderness has ambitions to pull together all coaching in the area.

A report from North Yorkshire would not be complete without mention of the tremendous amount of womens and girls cricket taking place in the area, which appears to go from strength to strength.

Ann Coe

City of York Cricket Development Group It has again proved difficult to get member clubs to attend meetings, but the group is soldiering on for the benefit of the clubs that do. The appointment of Richard Wilkinson as CDM is welcome and through him two coaching award courses have been arranged. The group is to subsidise attendees from clubs that regularly attend meetings.

Both secretary and treasurer have indicated that they will be standing down at the next AGM so replacements are needed.

Rob Smith

Galtres Cricket Development Group Our AGM in January 2014 succeeded in re-appointing the existing officers and confirming a reasonably satisfactory year’s activities. The AGM agreed to canvass clubs in the Hambleton District who were not currently members of the Group with a view to increasing the scope and influence of the Group. A disappointing level of response was received but we continue to meet on a quarterly basis.

During the year we repeated our introductory coaching sessions for women and girls together with our “Right Track” programme designed to bridge the gap between club coaching and pathways for both boys and girls. After a slow take up, both these programmes were well-supported with some 40+ youngsters (including several girls from south and west Yorkshire) regularly attending. Students from York St John University, with whom we have forged strong links, contributed significantly to the programmes.

We again organised an U13 girls’ team which competed in the Hambleton Junior League U11 division. The team would have played in the deferred 2013 finals of the Lady Taverners regional competition which was planned for Chesterfield in May but which fell victim to the unseasonably wet weather.

We welcomed Danni Hazell and Lauren Winfield who spent time with us in their role as English Womens Cricket Ambassadors. Danni led a day in Easingwold as a follow up to her visit in 2013 and both attended a programme we organised with Thirsk School involving girls from the school and from local primary schools.

Our thanks and best wishes for his future with the IoG go to Ian Powell and we welcomed Richard Wilkinson as his successor CDM for North Yorkshire.

Looking ahead, our “Right Track” programme will run in 2015 as an evening course based at Thirsk School and designed to support the Hambleton Junior Cricket League who has had their application to join the Yorkshire Junior Cricket Festival accepted for the 2015 season. We hope to be able to offer the introductory sessions for women and girls at Easingwold but this will depend on the availability of coaches to lead the sessions. We also hope to strengthen links with Easingwold and Thirsk Schools.

Peter Drummond

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Scarborough Cricket Development Group The Scarborough and District Cricket Development Group has continued to work with key partners in order to assist local clubs in club and coach development issues. In partnership with the local authority all clubs received relevant safeguarding training in order for them to provide effective coaching and environments for young players. A member club, Snainton Cricket Club, received £49,681 from the Sport England Inspired Facilities fund to build a double bay net system at the clubs facility; this will be a massive benefit to both the club and also other local clubs who will make use of the facility.

A huge positive for the district this year has been the introduction of the Bronze Pathway Centre at Lady Lumley’s School, Pickering. This has enabled young players to access quality coaching closer to home with also the opportunity to develop further in the game.

Another major step forward this year has been the introduction of a YCB Community Cricket Coach to the district and this will enable schools to access coaching and also provide relevant exit routes to local clubs to aid participation

Matt Hewison

Ryedale Cricket Development Group The group has had several meetings, and as ever the aims have been to provide information, news from the Board, new initiatives and provide financial assistance when required, to assist the member clubs whether it be for coaching or other development roles as required.

The group has covered a wide range of subjects from ground preparation to funding streams. It is hoped that shortly the group will be having a "Social Media" workshop and an introduction to on line fund raising initiatives.

One exciting new initiative adopted by the group is the Lords Taverners SOS Kit Aid where equipment and clothing is donated by the clubs and forwarded to charitable groups as defined by the Lords Taverners Organisation, and donations have already been sent from the Ryedale group to the charity,( many thanks to the generous members of the CDG from the Chair).

John Jennings

Harrogate Cricket Development Group The Harrogate District Cricket Development Group has had a year of major changes, following Ian Powell’s decision to work for the IOG and Helen Dennis resigning as Secretary at the recent AGM. The group has been left very short of active leadership. Jonathan Corcoran has agreed to Chair the group in the coming year and wishes to pay thanks to both Ian and Helen for their sterling work in establishing the group and their dedication to it over the past seven years.

Not only has the group seen personnel changes but the work it has done over the year has changed. The group now successfully provides cricket coaching to over thirty primary schools, this is as a direct replacement for Chance to Shine funded schemes. This area continues to grow and the group is engaged in delivering this again in 2015.

The clubs in our area have seen development achieved, Knaresborough CC, Whixley CC to name two, who were successful with Inspired Facilities bids. As the group approaches 2015 all its member clubs will be asked to once again get involved, the group will find its direction over the next twelve months and will play a role in the development of cricket in the area.

Jonathan Corcoran

Craven Cricket Development Group Only one meeting has been held in 2014 and disappointingly only 7 people, including officials, attended. 7-10 people does seem the norm, so we could do with more people making the effort to get involved.

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We were disappointed to see Ian Powell leave as he had a big influence on the group.

After the success of the Level 1 course for umpires, we decided to run a second one soon after the season finished in late September. 11 people attended this course and I am pleased to report that all of the attendees passed. We ran a Child Welfare Officers course at Haworth CC for those CWOs who needed to renew their certification.

Chance to Shine was slightly cut back. However Pro Coach took over the running of the Sutton schools area, whilst Ji Mukherjee, Arron Brook and Mark Gill (Pro Coach) were organising the Skipton schools area.

We continued to push for a Pathways Centre in the Craven area leading to the joint efforts of Yorkshire CB, YCCC and YCF changing the situation. Yorkshire Cricket are putting in place a development centre at Sutton in Craven which will feed into Pathways. This will be run by Pro Coach with help from the Upper Airedale Junior Cricket Association. We had intended to run a coaching course for beginners; however this has been included in the new set- up.

Our efforts to get a scorers course off the ground met with little enthusiasm from clubs, despite pressure from the Craven League on them to get their scorers involved. It was intended to hold a short groundsman course at the end of the season at one of our clubs but this did not materialise.

Trevor Coe

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