The International Community Cricket Trust (ICCT)

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Welcome to the International Community Cricket Trust, the parent charity of On-Side Cricket Limited and the Edexcel-accredited International Institute of Cricket Umpiring and Scoring


In the United Kingdom, there are estimated to be c8,800 recreational - i.e. amateur - cricket clubs of all sizes, compositions and standards ranging from 'wandering', 'grass-roots', and village clubs right up through to those in Premier Leagues, that play the game at many different levels.

For the Trust there are - in these economically straitened times particularly - very compelling reasons for wanting to serve the recreational game by pro-actively supporting these clubs; to help them raise their profiles; improve their facilities and playing standards; increase their income/revenue streams; expand their memberships; and, through unique event initiatives, to help them recruit and retain new player members of all ages from within their local communities:
  • Recreational cricket is a sport enjoyed by people of all ages, across all social divisions and all ethnic groups;

  • The number currently participating in recreational cricket each season totals more than 2,300,000 - two million, three hundred thousand! - either playing, or in some other way actively involved in the game. Many carry on throughout the winter, playing in indoor cricket leagues;

  • The number of sources and the availability of sponsorship and grant funding for rank and file recreational cricket clubs - e.g. for ground maintenance materials and equipment, repairs, sightscreens, covers, tours etc., - has diminished dramatically over recent months;

  • Recreational cricket is an active sport that develops life-skills; raises fitness levels, enhances concentration; and develops personal self-confidence and character;

  • Playing recreational cricket helps to instil self-discipline, an understanding of the difference between strategy and tactics, and how to behave both in victory and defeat;

  • Recreational cricket is an inclusive game, one that anyone can play regardless of age, height, weight, gender, background, or disability; and matches played by women and girls, blind and partially-sighted teams and players with other CC1, CC2, and CC3 category disabilities, are just as keenly contested as those played by their more able-bodied colleagues;

  • Recreational cricket is a genuinely multi-racial, multi-cultural, sport that, above all, promotes the virtues of fair play; of 'doing the right thing'; of accepting the umpire's decision; and how to behave in both victory and defeat.

These days, more than ever before, young people - particularly those in the inner city and urban areas where no youth clubs, or after-school sports activities, are provided - are denied the opportunities to learn and adopt these disciplines and ethics. In recreational cricket the phrase 'it's not cricket' still has a meaning; albeit one that, sadly, is coming increasingly under threat.

 

Owner: B Aitken