Kent Cricket Board focus on club development

Kent Cricket Board has launched its plans to identify its key Focus Clubs, in a change of strategy in the development of cricket clubs.

In an attempt to pool ECB resources and support cricket clubs more effectively, the Kent Cricket Board is in the process of identifying 48 clubs throughout Kent with which it will work more closely in order to help them develop over the next three years.

These Focus Clubs are identified as the ones best placed to deliver the KCB’s objectives for club cricket, particularly in terms of youth development. This follows an extensive planning process based around local strategic needs and availability of local resources.

It means that they will gain priority treatment with regards to improved communication, help with access to resources, advice on volunteering opportunities, grant aid, equipment, coaching, talent identification and progression, match play, administration, child welfare and any other areas of club development that will ultimately increase participation and improve standards in club cricket.

In return, Focus Clubs must gain ClubMark accreditation as well as work together with their County Board to produce and implement a comprehensive development plan.

Chris Swadkin, Chairman of Kent Cricket Board, said: “In order to be able to provide a quality service to clubs we have had to prioritise our efforts. Initially, we identify the clubs which we feel we can best work with and these clubs will benefit from a much closer relationship with Kent Cricket Board and the ECB than ever before.

“The Kent Cricket Board will not stop supporting the hundreds of other recreational cricket clubs, but the Focus Clubs will be our priority. This will, in time, make a real difference to the recreational game.”

The next step is to enlist club support. Clubs will receive more information this week. Anybody who would like to know more should contact:

Jamie Clifford
Kent Cricket Board
Director of Cricket Development

Email jamie.clifford.kent@ecb.co.uk
Tel 01227 456886.

Clubs have until December 17 to register their interest.