Local volunteers honoured at OSCAs

Volunteers from the grassroots game have been honoured in the 2020 Outstanding Services to Cricket Awards (OSCAs), organised by the ECB.

The OSCAS look to honour those that have gone the extra mile for their club during a difficult year, and nominations for volunteers from Kent went before a Community panel. All nominees were deserving winners, making the panel’s job a difficult one.

Three new categories were created for this year:

• Connecting Communities – highlighting a club, league or organisation that has supported members in their communities through inspirational methods, innovation and pushing boundaries
• Pro-Active Leadership within the Cricket Community – bringing attention to the contribution pro-active leadership can make within clubs, leagues, communities and organisations, recognising individuals who are providing vision and direction
• #raisethebat – an outstanding individual, be they a key worked or someone who has gone above and beyond during the COVD-19 pandemic

One county winner from each category will be submitted to ECB, who will choose overall national winners at a virtual event to be held on Saturday 3^rd October.

Kent Cricket would like to thank everyone who submitted a nomination to us, showcasing the outstanding work that has been happening within our Community in the county over the past twelve months.

Kent Winners:

Connecting Communities – Chestfield CC Committee (Chairman: Paul Gibson)

• Club was used as a local COVID-19 resource centre
• Chestfield has large number of elderly residents who were supported throughout lockdown
• Club reached out to local organisations whose normal premises were affected and offered the use of their outside facilitie
• Hosted a variety of groups, focusing on elderly and isolated – Eastern Vikings training groups, yoga, gymnastics and over 60s walking netball to name a few
• Also gave local school access to facilities to carry on PE lessons

Pro-Active Leadership within the Cricket Community – Carolyn Sutton (Kent ACO)

• Has been at forefront of Scorer Development in recent years
• Set up Team of Observers/Mentors and undertakes all professional discussion for Kent and London Region
• Her feedback is now seen as an example of what good looks like amongst Scoring peers
• Played integral part in leading the way for the inception of Kent Scorers Group, allowing Scorers to be appointed to a significant number of games both in Kent and London Region
• Set up ACO’s target strategy for 2024
• Has put in place the highly successful structure which has been adopted by ACO nationwide

#raisethebat – Roger Milton (Stockbury & Hartslip CC)

• Holds various roles at the club – drumming-up players, sponsorship, organising fixtures and preparing the pitch
• During lockdown he broke his hip. This didn’t stop him ensuring the pitch was in top condition every week (even while on crutches), ensured fixtures were fulfilled and bringing in new players
• Ensured socially distance drinks after games/events where the new pub landlords could also stay involved
• New nets for young players and maintained village hall, car park and children’s playground
• Had several nominations from members of the club so was a stand-out winner for the panel

Kent’s Director of Community Cricket, Andy Griffiths, said: “Volunteers are so important in our game because they sustain every aspect of it. Without really knowing it, volunteers provide support for everyone connected to their community.

“Whether it is a love of playing and/or watching the game, the chance to meet people and make new friends, or the opportunity to use professional skills to help their community are just a few examples of why people volunteer.

“During the pandemic, people across Kent came together to support one another and the communities in which they live. Cricket Clubs thrive on volunteers and this season has seen a surge in people getting involved to help out.

“Whilst we couldn’t meet face to face, we have recognised three very special volunteers for their fantastic efforts within their own clubs. They have kept the buzz alive and encouraged people to continue playing the game, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed.”