|
The International Community Cricket Trust (ICCT) exists to offer FREE practical help and support services to all non-professional recreational and community cricket clubs (Reason for Founding).
In the United Kingdom, there are estimated to be c8,800 recreational and community - 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:
-
Community cricket is a sport enjoyed by people of all ages, across all social divisions and all ethnic groups;
-
The number currently participating in recreational and community 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 community cricket clubs - e.g. for ground maintenance materials and equipment, repairs, sightscreens, covers, tours etc., - have diminished dramatically over recent months;
-
Community cricket is an active sport that develops life-skills; raises fitness levels, enhances concentration; and develops personal self-confidence and character;
-
Playing community cricket helps to instil self-discipline, an understanding of the difference between strategy and tactics, and how to behave both in victory and defeat;
-
Community 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 disabilities, are just as keenly contested as those played by their more able-bodied colleagues; AND,
-
Community 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 community cricket the phrase 'it's not cricket' still has a meaning; albeit one that, sadly, is coming increasingly under threat.
|
