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Close of Play - wrapping up the 2024 recreational cricket season

Show your volunteers just how important they are to everything you do, and to sow the seeds of excitement for next season.

Close of Play – A Chance to Say Thank You

While across England and Wales volunteers are being recognised and thanked through regional Cricket Collective Awards, this year we are encouraging clubs to use the Close of Play to show your volunteers just how important they are to everything you do, and to sow the seeds of excitement for next season. 

Research shows that one of the top reasons people stop volunteering is because they feel undervalued.

As your club wraps up a fantastic summer of cricket, the Close of Play provides the perfect opportunity to thank all the volunteers and players who have supported another successful season. Whether it’s an in-person event or a text message, saying thank you goes a long way. 

There are many ways you can join in with the Close of Play to celebrate your Cricket Collective, including: 

  • Share a message of thanks through your comms channels. Whether you use WhatsApp, email, social media, or posters in your club house, we have provided a host of assets and images that you can use to amplify your gratitude among your club members. Available here.
  • Bring people together one last time. Close of Play is the perfect chance to get the club together to pack up for the off season and have an end-of-season social with your volunteers and members. Make the most of the event by using our task list to plan your activity, and don’t forget to put the emphasis on fun. Snacks and drinks go a long way!
  • Save the date for Get Set Weekend 2025 – 5th-6th April! Before everyone disappears for winter (or at least until indoor training), get them locked-in for next season. The Get Set Weekend, powered by The Cricket Collective, is set to be celebrated nationally on 5-6th April 2025. Even if your club’s date is still TBC, give your volunteers, players and members a light at the end of the wintery tunnel by reminding them just how valuable their contribution will be. More details on the national Get Set Weekend celebrations coming soon.

If you're running a wrap-up event or thanking your volunteers at the end of another fantastic season, let us know by using #TheCricketCollective or #CloseOfPlay.

An example of the resources available on the Resource Hub