The #GetSetWeekend is taking place on 1-2 April, giving clubs across England and Wales the opportunity to start preparing for the season ahead and to engage with new and existing volunteers. All clubs up and down the country can take part and register for the #GetSetWeekend to have the chance to win tickets to international matches and The Hundred.
With one month to go, we spoke to Sahil Kher, Club Captain at Acton Cricket Club in West London, about what the #GetSetWeekend means to him and his club.
In February, Acton CC gathered over 60 volunteers to make a head start on what is set to be a busy #GetSetWeekend for them.
"We’ve had a difficult few years, without a permanent home, and our new clubhouse which has been funded entirely by our membership, and something that out membership is very proud of and really looking forward to," Kher said. "Setting up a new home was essential for our future. It's taken a big effort from our Chairman and the Club Committee, and the building is up, but we're still having to do further fundraising to complete the project.
"The 18 February event was an opportunity to gather the membership down at the club to see the progress, and to clear up the ground of building materials to get it cricket ready. In addition, it’s a nice way to integrate new members over a cup of tea and a go on the mower!"
The club welcomed people of all ages, including juniors, parents, social members, and senior players, and saw it is an opportunity to inspire more people to join in on 1 and 2 April, as well as throughout the season.
Kher added: "The #GetSetWeekend is a fantastic way to bring the club back together after a few months in winter hibernation. I think it's a good chance for all our members to see the work that's been done over the winter to keep the club ticking over. It's a round-the-year job and I'm sure it will inspire a few more people to step up over the summer.
"In addition to the various tasks to get the ground and clubhouse ready for the summer, it's a chance to see familiar faces and remind people that the club is around to offer that sense of community, and something that recreational clubs thrive on. I think you can also see the positive impact a day like this can have on people's mental health."
Ultimately, the #GetSetWeekend is a chance to prepare for the upcoming season while bringing together the volunteers and members integral to a club.
"Put simply, we wouldn't exist without the many unsung heroes who prop up Acton CC despite other commitments," Kher said. "We are grateful to everyone who does the teas, coaches the juniors, scores games, and helps with the ground. But there's still so much more to do to keep the club in fine fettle. So, all I would say to members old and new is that what you put into the club, you get back in spades!”
The ECB has made available a number of assets to promote the Get Set Weekend, which can be found on the ECB Resource Hub. Make sure your club is involved in the #GetSetWeekend by registering here.