Wiltshire Cricket Grassroots Cricket Awards evening includes presentation of Special Achievement awards to individuals and organisations across the county
The Assembly Room at Devizes Town Hall played host to the 2024 Grassroots Cricket Awards evening; an evening during which the winners of our Grassroots Cricket Awards and a number of Special Achievement awards were announced.
In the earlier part of 2024, Wiltshire Cricket had invited nominations for the 2024 Grassroots Cricket Collective Awards. These awards recognise many fantastic volunteers from across different parts and different roles within the game.
In addition to the Grassroots Cricket Collective awards, the evening also provided an opportunity for Wiltshire Cricket to present a series of Special Achievement awards in which we recognised individuals and groups from across areas of our work that were not necessarily captured through the Grassroots Cricket Collective awards. Here is a review of the evening and the Special Achievement awards that were presented:
Special Achievement Awards
Super 1s Disability Hub of the Year: SWINDON SUPER 1s
Super 1s is a programme funded by our charity partner, Lord's Taverners, and provides regular cricket sessions for young people with a disability aged 12-25. In Wiltshire, we have hubs running at four venues; in Chippenham, Salisbury, Swindon and Westbury
Super 1s Participants of the Year: EVIE EDWARDS and LAURA HARDICK
Laura and Evie have attended every session at the Chippenham Super 1s hub. They are keen to learn, work really well together and challenge themselves on a weekly basis. No matter what the challenge both girls face it head on and strive to improve.
The progression shown by both girls over the course of the past 12 months is testament to them and we sincerely hope that they continue to enjoy Cricket and all that it has to offer, it's a pleasure to work with both of them.
Chance to Shine Teacher of the Year: MISS CROKER, WESTBURY SCHOOL
Chance to Shine School of the Year: SWINDON ACADEMY
Chance to Shine Pupil of the Year: FLORENCE
In 2023-2024 we started a new initiative; our termly Chance to Shine awards! Chance to Shine are a proud partner of Wiltshire Cricket. We receive funding from Chance to Shine to deliver coaching, competition and teacher development to primary and secondary schools across Wiltshire.
Via our Chance to Shine termly awards we aim to shine a light on the schools, teachers and participants that have really bought in to the ethos behind our Chance to Shine programme.
Speaking of our participant of the year, Florence ... Florence has loved participating in the Playground Leader's element of the Chance to Shine programme. She also attends our local weekly Swindon Street Cricket hub, demonstrating both support for her teammates and a great attitude towards developing her own game.
National Programmes NEW Club of the Year: COLLINGBOURNE CC
Collingbourne CC returned to All Stars and Dynamos delivery in 2024, delivering to over 50 participants across the two programmes. The club is now looking forward to this being the platform towards more junior cricket at Under 9s, Under 11s and beyond
National Programmes Club of the Year: BURBAGE AND EASTON ROYAL CC
Burbage and Easton Royal CC achieved the amazing figure of 96 participants on their All Stars programme in 2024; a number that required a huge number of helpers and coaches to be found, as well as a huge amount of organisation. The club's junior cricket section continues to go from strength to strength as a result of their strong base being created from the All Stars programme.
Special Achievement Award - Under 9s Cricket: CRICKLADE CC, CHIPPENHAM CC, SWINDON CC
After our increased focus on Under 9s Cricket began in 2023, we have been delighted to continue that focus in 2024 as we have seen the volume of Under 9s Club Cricket continue to grow.
The importance of having a vibrant Under 9s club offer was identified in 2023, with particular importance placed on:
- Capitalising on the high interest levels from our All Stars and Dynamos programmes
- Providing exposure to the first form of competition for our young cricketers
- Ensuring there is a competition format to bridge the gap between All Stars / Dynamos and the beginning of the WYCL offer at Under 11s
In 2024, we have recognised the three clubs who according to records completed the most Under 9s matches during the season. Congratulations to Cricklade, Chippenham and Swindon but also to all participating clubs this season.
Special Achievement Award - Charity and Fundraising - ED DAVIES
Ed Davies, chair of Bishops Cannings Cricket Club, has raised over £1 million through 30 years of dedicated fundraising efforts. This support has reached charities such as Julia’s House, Ataxia UK, Dorothy House, Wiltshire Air Ambulance, MacMillan, The Lily Foundation, and many other local charities across the South West. Contributions have come from the generosity of people attending various events, providing vital support directly to these organisations. Over the years, Ed has almost single-handedly organised events on behalf of the cricket club, including Sportsmen’s Dinners featuring hosts like Phil Tufnell, Ben Kay, and Kevin Keegan, as well as clay pigeon shoots and charity matches, all aimed to give back to the community and raise money for vital causes.
An amazing achievement!
