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Empowering the Next Generation: Oxfordshire Cricket’s The Future Leaders Academy and the Power of Volunteering
19/11/2024Empowering the Next Generation: Oxfordshire Cricket’s The Future Leaders Academy and the Power of Volunteering Volunteers are the unsung heroes who power the engine of recreational sports clubs across the country. In many communities, they are the heartbeat of local clubs, and charities, and community groups bringing their time, skills, and passion to create spaces where people of all ages can enjoy the benefits of sport. But finding enough trained and motivated volunteers, particularly those willing to take on leadership roles, is often a challenge. In Oxfordshire, a new initiative created by Oxfordshire Cricket aims to change that. Recognising a gap in the volunteer landscape, particularly within cricket, the Future Leaders Academy was created. This exciting programme is designed to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and leadership qualities they need to not only volunteer but thrive as leaders in their communities. It’s about much more than just cricket—it’s about fostering a generation of young individuals who are ready to give back and lead by example. The Need for Volunteer Leaders While the UK boasts a rich sporting culture, clubs often face the challenge of finding volunteers who are both passionate and skilled enough to take on leadership roles. Without the proper support and development, young people may not have the confidence to step into these roles, missing an opportunity to gain life-changing skills. The Future Leaders Academy was born out of this need. Oxfordshire Cricket recognised that, although young people in Oxfordshire were already volunteering in some capacity, there was no formal, structured programme to help them build the skills required to take on leadership positions. Cricket was the perfect vehicle to fill that gap, given its history of community involvement and its wide appeal across the county. What the Future Leaders Academy Offers The Future Leaders Academy is a free programme that aims to provide young people with the qualifications, and experiences they need to become effective volunteers and leaders. The programme is open to all young people between the ages of 13-18, whether they are affiliated with a cricket club or not. In fact, participants come from a wide variety of sporting backgrounds, reflecting the programme’s inclusivity. One of the key aspects of the Academy is its alignment with the Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteering hours. This gives young people the opportunity to earn a prestigious qualification while gaining practical experience that will benefit both themselves and their communities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85cBCGL66i0 Launching the Future Leaders Academy The Future Leaders Academy officially launched on October 28, 2024, with a special event held at The Sixes, Westgate Oxford. This launch event allowed the 187 participants to meet their fellow Academy members, engage with programme facilitators, and take part in cricket-themed activities in a relaxed and supportive environment. The event set the tone for what promises to be an exciting and transformative year ahead, with participants coming from 43 cricket clubs and 58 schools, with a mix of backgrounds and interests. The diversity within the cohort is a testament to the programme’s inclusive nature, which encourages young people from all walks of life to get involved and make a difference. The Academy is not just about cricket — it’s about learning life skills that will last a lifetime. In its first year, the Academy offers a range of eight modules focusing on areas such as coaching, umpiring, scoring, safeguarding, and first aid. Participants are required to complete four mandatory modules and can choose from up to four optional ones that range from Nutrition, Psychology, Grounds workshops and Marketing. These modules are designed to be practical, hands-on, and immediately applicable to the participants' roles as volunteers. The modules take place during the October, February, and April half-terms—to ensure that participants have the chance to apply what they’ve learned before the new cricket season begins. The goal is not just to impart knowledge but to give young people the confidence to use those skills in real-world situations, whether in their local cricket clubs or in their wider communities. Measuring the Impact: Building Confidence, Leadership, and More Although the programme is still in its early stages, initial feedback from participants, parents, and facilitators has been overwhelmingly positive. The Academy has already made a significant impact on participants' confidence, leadership skills, and overall personal development. For instance, in the October 2024 workshops, 94% of participants reported an increase in their confidence after attending the First Aid modules, and 88% doing likewise after the Coaching and Umpiring modules. The impact of the programme extends beyond confidence. 94% of parents noted a positive influence on their child’s leadership, and communication skills, while 88% of parents also observed a positive effect on their child’s mental health, underlining the holistic benefits of the Academy. Feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly supportive, with 94% of parents reporting their children enjoyed the modules. Looking Ahead: Building a Sustainable Pipeline of Volunteers The Future Leaders Academy is only just beginning, but its impact is already being felt across Oxfordshire. With a strong foundation in place, there are plans to expand the programme to reach more young people, particularly in schools across the county. The long-term vision is to create a sustainable pipeline of volunteers and leaders who can continue to support the local cricket scene and other community initiatives for years to come. As the programme grows, so too will its impact—on individual participants, their clubs, and the wider community. By helping young people develop essential life skills through cricket, the Future Leaders Academy is playing a pivotal role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. The Future Leaders Academy is proof that sport can be a powerful tool for personal development, community engagement, and leadership. If you're a young person with an interest in volunteering, coaching, or becoming a community leader, the Future Leaders Academy is the perfect opportunity to start your journey. In October the ECB published the Volunteer Action Plan which laid out our strategy for recreational volunteers - also known as The Cricket Collective - over the next four years. Our objective is to increase the number of young people volunteering across all roles by 50%. Initiatives such as Oxfordshire's will play a key part in achieving this ambition as we look to build a national movement of young volunteers who can not only deliver the sport, but also help shape it for future generations to come. You can read the full Action Plan here (https://resources.ecb.co.uk/ecb/document/2024/10/21/f1f3813b-2ca4-4934-901e-78ed92e161e6/ECB-Volunteer-Action-Plan-FINAL.pdf)
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Player Development Workshops - February
15/11/2024We are delighted to let you know about our Player Development Workshops that Oxfordshire Cricket are running during next February half term - Monday 17th February to Wednesday 19th February 2025. Our Player Development Workshops do not form part of our annual pathway programme, and are an offering for those who wish to access additional activity during time-points where there are School Holidays/Half-Terms. They are not specifically for Pathway Players and are open to all players who meet the eligibility criteria below. Workshop Programme We have scheduled a varied programme of workshops that includes skill-specific sessions and 1-1’s. All sessions are available to both boys and girls. Please see below a timetable of programme events, along with a booking link for each workshop. We ask that you please book carefully, making sure you choose the correct session for your child’s age. The Age Group eligibility table, further down the email, will help you to select the correct session for your child. For further information on our Player Development Workshops which we run throughout the year, watch this short video. Sessions are delivered by our Pathway Manager, Pathway Coaches as well as other full-time members of staff. Our staff consists of a range of Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 cricket coaches. Most of our Player Development Workshops will use a hard ball (indicated below where applicable) and all players will need the appropriate playing equipment. Each session will be delivered using favourable Coach:Player ratios (varies depending on booking), to maintain quality provision and provide players with the support they need. Below is the programme of events, including booking links for each session. For further information on each session, please see a description of each below the programme of events. MONDAY 17TH FEBRUARY TO WEDNESDAY 19TH FEBRUARY 2025 Workshop Day Date Age group Pathway Time Venue Player Capacity - Max Workshop Player Charge Booking Link Batters - Skill Session Monday 17/2/25 Under 13 to 15 Boys & Girls 09:00-11:00 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 16 £25.00 Book Here Batters - Skill Session Under 10 to 12 Boys & Girls 11:15-13:15 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 16 £25.00 Book Here 1 to 1's Under 10 to 18 Boys & Girls 13:30-14:15 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 4 £40.00 Book Here 1 to 1's Under 10 to 18 Boys & Girls 14:15-15:00 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 4 £40.00 Book Here 1 to 1's Under 10 to 18 Boys & Girls 15:00-15:45 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 4 £40.00 Book Here 1 to 1's Under 10 to 18 Boys & Girls 15:45-16:30 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 4 £40.00 Book Here 1 to 1's Tuesday 18/2/25 Under 10 to 18 Boys & Girls 09:00-09:45 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 4 £40.00 Book Here 1 to 1's Under 10 to 18 Boys & Girls 09:45-10:30 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 4 £40.00 Book Here 1 to 1's Under 10 to 18 Boys & Girls 10:30-11:15 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 4 £40.00 Book Here 1 to 1's Under 10 to 18 Boys & Girls 11:15-12:00 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 4 £40.00 Book Here 1 to 1's Under 10 to 18 Boys & Girls 12:00-12:45 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 4 £40.00 Book Here 1 to 1's Under 10 to 18 Boys & Girls 13:15-14:00 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 4 £40.00 Book Here 1 to 1's Under 10 to 18 Boys & Girls 14:00-14:45 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 4 £40.00 Book Here 1 to 1's Under 10 to 18 Boys & Girls 14:45-15:30 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 4 £40.00 Book Here Seamers - Skill Session Wednesday 19/2/25 Under 10 to 15 Boys & Girls 09:00-11:00 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 16 £25.00 Book Here Spinners/Keepers - Skill Session Under 10 to 15 Boys & Girls 11:15-13:15 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 8/8 £25.00 Book Here 1 to 1's Under 10 to 18 Boys & Girls 13:30-14:15 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 4 £40.00 Book Here 1 to 1's Under 10 to 18 Boys & Girls 14:15-15:00 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 4 £40.00 Book Here 1 to 1's Under 10 to 18 Boys & Girls 15:00-15:45 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 4 £40.00 Book Here 1 to 1's Under 10 to 18 Boys & Girls 15:45-16:30 Magdalen College School, OX4 1DZ 4 £40.00 Book Here Batters Skill Session - a batting only workshop, which will cover various themes within batting including; playing swing bowling, scoring off the back foot and facing spin. These sessions are suitable for hard-ball players only. Seamers Skill Session - a workshop focusing on supporting players who bowl seam, swing or pace. The session will look to develop each seamer's technical, tactical and physical ability. These sessions are suitable for hard-ball players only. Keepers Skill Session - a workshop specifically catering for wicket-keepers. Looking to develop each keeper’s technical, tactical and physical ability. These sessions are suitable for hard-ball players only. Spinners Skill Session - a workshop focusing on supporting players who bowl spin. The session will look to develop each spinner's technical, tactical and physical ability. These sessions are suitable for hard-ball players only. 1 to 1’s - we are delighted to be able to offer some 1 to 1 coaching opportunities. Each session will be tailored specifically to the needs of the player, offering individualised access to one of our Pathway Coaches. There is an Early Bird Discount available, which can be used to get 10% off the cost of your booking. You will need to enter the code EarlyBirdNov2024 in the relevant place on the booking form, this will automatically give you a 10% discount if you book before December 2024. Eligibility Our Player Development Workshops are for anyone who would like to attend, provided that they are comfortable participating in hard-ball activity. Players MUST be born within the age group category - please check the session’s age groups carefully before booking. Age Groups 2024-25 Under 18 - 1/9/2006 to 31/8/2007 Under 17 - 1/9/2007 to 31/8/2008 Under 16 - 1/9/2008 to 31/8/2009 Under 15 - 1/9/2009 to 31/8/2010 Under 14 - 1/9/2010 to 31/8/2011 Under 13 - 1/9/2011 to 31/8/2012 Under 12 - 1/9/2012 to 31/8/2013 Under 11 - 1/9/2013 to 31/8/2014 Under 10 - 1/9/2014 to 31/8/2015 Booking Information Please note that spaces will be limited at all workshops and will be booked on a first come first served basis. Once all the places are booked the session will no longer be available to make a booking. Player Requirements Players need to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for indoor cricket coaching environments. Players MUST bring their own HARD BALL playing equipment. No playing equipment will be available to borrow or share. Players should also bring a water bottle, meals or snacks and medical equipment as appropriate. If you have any specific questions regarding these please do not hesitate to contact Performance Coordinator, Alex Westbury on [email protected]
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Vacancy: Street Cricket Coach
14/11/2024Oxfordshire Cricket are looking for an enthusiastic and engaging individual to help coach at our Girls Only Street Cricket Hub in Abingdon on Monday evenings, 6pm - 7pm, starting on the 13th January 2025. The Street Cricket Coach role is about engaging young people and inspiring individuals to play cricket within our community cricket programmes and ensuring that all individuals that are involved experience a positive connection within the game. The programme is free for children and aims to provide an additional cricket opportunity for children living in urban areas to access cricket. The Street Cricket sessions are designed to be fun, active and centre around match-play opportunities, meaning there is lots of chances to play games. A Foundation (level 1) Cricket qualification or above is desirable but not essential as full training can be provided. Rate of pay is £25 per hour. If you would like to discuss the role further or have any questions about the position, then please contact; School and Community Programmes Manager – Nick Holroyd on [email protected] To apply for the role of Street Cricket Coach then we would be grateful to receive all Cover Letters, CV’s and Safer Recruitment Application Forms submitted to [email protected] . Please click below to find out more; Street Cricket Coach- Oxfordshire Cricket Role Description Oxfordshire Cricket - Safer Recruitment Application Form
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Coaching and First Aid Courses Update November 2024
08/11/2024Oxfordshire Cricket are delighted to announce a variety of Coaching and First Aid courses . See below for more details on course dates and links to book: Foundation (Level 1): Foundation (Level 1) - Sibford School Saturdays 11th and 18th January 2025. 9.30am to 4.30pm. Book HERE Foundation (Level 1) - Headington School. Saturday 5th April and Sunday 13th April 2025. 9.30am to 4.00pm. Book HERE The cost of a Foundation course is £150, but bursaries exist for females, those from diverse backgrounds or those experiencing financial hardship. Before booking a place on the course, please fill out a bursary application if you meet the criteria which can be found HERE Core Coach (Level 2): Saturdays 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd February 2025 at Langtree School. Each day runs 9.15am to 4.30pm. There are 10 spaces left on this course. You can book HERE Bursaries also exist for Core Coach courses, with the same criteria as above. Foundation (Level 1): Saturday 5th April and Sunday 13th April 2025 from 9.30am to 4.00pm at Headington School. Book your space HERE Oxfordshire Coaches Conference: Saturday 12th April 2025 at St Helen and St Katherine School. Please keep this date clear in your diary and look out for more information on workshops available during the day. We are hoping it will be a fascinating day with lots of opportunities to network and learn from expert coaches. Expressions of Interest: We do accept expressions of interest for coaching courses as this allows us to assess demand before we organise a course. Please fill in the Expression of Interest form HERE to get notified when courses go live, this applies to First Aid and coaching courses. First Aid courses: Monday 6th January 2025 at Oxford Cricket Club. 6.00pm to 9.00pm. Book HERE Monday 3rd March 2025 at Cumnor Cricket Club. 6.00pm to 9.00pm. Book HERE If you can host a First Aid course, or would like more information about coaching courses, please email Ed Wilson on [email protected] Which course is right for you? Foundation Courses are designed to coach softball cricket and pitched at a beginner level. You can read more about the Foundation Course HERE Core Coach courses are designed to coach hardball cricket and are suitable for players at beginner and intermediate stages of cricket. You can read more about the Core Coach course HERE Click HERE for more information on choosing the right course for you. Prerequisites for each course: 18 years of age Valid safeguarding training e.g. Safeguarding Young Cricketers Valid ECB Disclosure and Barring Service check. Bursaries available: We have a number of bursaries available (for courses booked before 31st January 2025). The bursaries are available as follows: 100% - for those in financial hardship 50% - for those coaches that are female, from ethnically diverse communities or those with a disability. You can find out more about our bursaries, and apply HERE If you would like more details about any of our upcoming coaching or First Aid courses, do not hesitate to contact Ed Wilson on [email protected].
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Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Cricket in Oxfordshire
05/11/2024Dear Members of the Oxfordshire Cricket Community, We hope this message finds you well. With the recent release of the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) new strategy, we are embarking on a journey to create our own 4-year strategy to align with the broader vision for the game. It is also crucial that our strategy considers the unique needs and aspirations of our local cricket community—that means you. We value your insights and experiences, and we would love to hear from you. We have created a short questionnaire and would be incredibly grateful if you could spare a few minutes to complete it. Your feedback will play a vital role in shaping the future of cricket in Oxfordshire. Please click the link below to access the survey: Complete the Oxfordshire Cricket Survey Deadline: Please submit your responses by 5:00 pm on Friday 15th November. Thank you for your time and for being a valued part of our cricket family. Warm regards, Nick Pinhol
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Vacancy: Managing Director
31/10/2024At Oxfordshire Cricket our purpose is to make cricket open for all. We are responsible for all ECB Participation and Growth activities and support to recreational cricket as well as the Representative Cricket and Performance Pathway Programmes for girls, boys, and women across Oxfordshire. We are now seeking a Managing Director. Within this role you will have overarching responsibility for the management of all operations, resources, and strategic initiatives at OCB. You will work closely with the Board of Directors to deliver on our vision, leading the organisation's P&L, marketing, HR, finance, fundraising, and legal matters. As a senior business leader, your key focus will be on diversifying and increasing OCB’s income streams to ensure financial sustainability and growth, which in turn will enable the organisation to strengthen its impact with grassroots, community, and performance initiatives. We are committed to building a team that is representative of the communities we serve and are keen to ensure that there is a diversity of thought, knowledge and professional and lived experience across our team. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from any suitable individuals who share our vision and have the capacity and expertise to help us deliver positive impact through cricket in Oxfordshire. Whilst a passion for cricket would be beneficial, we are also keen to hear from people who have energy and enthusiasm for the impact of sport and charity activities in general to support us in delivering on our purpose. What we offer: Competitive salary in the range of £65,000 to £70,000, depending on experience, plus benefits including pension contributions and professional development opportunities. A critical leadership role in an organisation with a strong reputation and significant growth potential. The opportunity to be a key driver in the next chapter of Oxfordshire Cricket’s development Our location is the Tudor Jones Building, Akeman Street, Chesterton, Bicester, Oxfordshire OX26 1TH, although flexible working is also available. For further information please access a copy of the candidate pack CLICK HERE To apply, please submit your Safer Recruitment Application and a cover letter detailing your experience and suitability for the role. Oxfordshire-Cricket-Safer-Recruitment-Application-Form Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. If you would like to be considered in our initial review, then please submit your application by November 25th. Applications should be submitted to Chris Parkinson at [email protected]. If you would like a confidential discussion about the role then please contact Peter Tervet the Oxfordshire Chairman at [email protected] Inclusion We believe that excellence will be achieved through recognising the value of every individual. A broad range of perspectives, backgrounds and opinions amongst our colleagues is crucial in maintaining our culture of openness, intellectual curiosity, and creativity. We take an active role in supporting under-represented communities and groups in becoming better and more fairly represented in the leadership of all organisations. We also know that diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact on our ability to encourage participation amongst these groups.