As part of its growth plans, Oxfordshire Cricket would like to provide the following update, given the number of recent appointments to the workforce. These appointments support our desire to strengthen our governance, run a coach development centre, expand our offering into state schools, grow the pathway programme and create greater focus on players of high potential and adult teams.
As of the 1st of October, Lesley Pykett and Stuart Murphy have been employed as the County Safeguarding Officers. Both have been loyal volunteers for the last four years. This supports our desire to place Safeguarding at the top of our agenda. Their remit will cover all cricket within Oxfordshire with the goal of ensuring that the game is safe for young and vulnerable people. The role is a job share and both will attend Board meetings, they will report to Margaret Stevens whose Directorship expands to cover Safeguarding.
Sam Arthurs joined us in the role of Foundation Pathway Manager. In the role, Sam will work closely with the Performance Director to deliver a sustainable and high-performing talent development system and play a leading role in the day-to-day management and delivery of our Foundation Pathway for girls and boys between the ages of 8 and 13. To support the development journey of players across the foundation age groups, Sam will lead and grow our breadth of supplementary programmes, including the Oxfordshire Bulls, Player Development Workshops and transition programmes and forge an integrated link with the Participation and Growth team, local schools and clubs.
Marcus Campopiano joined us as our new Talent Pathway Manager. In the role, Marcus will be responsible for leading the day-to-day management and delivery of our Talent Pathway for girls and boys between the ages of 14 and 18 and will work closely with Foundation Pathway Manager, Sam Arthurs, Performance Director and Performance Cricket Coordinator. Whilst Influential in the development journey of individuals and teams across the Talent pathway age groups, Marcus will also play an integral role across the wider talent development system, leading and optimising the physical performance of all players, including those in the pathway and other programmes.
After four very successful years, Matthew Barnes has earned the title of Performance Director. His role has expanded his remit to include County Men’s Cricket (NCCA – National Counties Cricket Association) and Women’s cricket working with the experienced Fiona Currie, Rupert Evans and Paul White in strengthening the links into our own pathway and by owning the Sussex partnership. Matt continues to own performance cricket, including the philosophy and policies behind our pathway programme and budget for the largest segment of our business.
Matthew and Nick Pinhol, recently promoted to the role of Participation Manager, will take an increasing day to day responsibility for the total operation of the organisation. This will include creating further links between the Participation and Performance functions.
Very shortly we will be announcing the recruitment of a community coach. We also have two more planned recruitments to complete, a second community coach and hopefully a new marketing role during 2022 through the kick start scheme.
Chairman, Chris Clements said:
‘All of these appointments are geared towards creating a wider platform for growth and securing the future. We already have an experienced and established workforce with Alex, Zoe, Ed and Paul, these additions will enhance that position. This has the potential to be a very exciting period for Oxfordshire Cricket.’