Recreational cricketers have their say

Kent Cricket Board is calling on recreational cricketers to have their say and help improve cricket in Kent through taking part in the second annual National Cricket Playing Survey.

Last year more than 21,000 current and former players responded to the survey – the first of its kind ever undertaken – and the Kent Cricket Board is already acting on the comprehensive and wide-ranging feedback received.

Clubs and leagues across the County are introducing new formats, rule changes, different start times, shorter travel distances to matches and greater opportunities for women, girls and people with a disability to play the game.

The 2014 survey, which is live from June 3, aims to reach an even wider audience and generate further ideas and innovations which will help increase take-up of the sport. From Premier League regular to the occasional, midweek social cricketer, every player, spectator and volunteer is being urged to have their say on all aspects of the recreational game.

Devised as part of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) strategic plan, Champion Counties, the survey’s responses give ECB and Kent Cricket Board a greater understanding of what amateur cricketers want from the sport, which formats they prefer and how it fits best with busy, modern lifestyles.

The findings will support ECB’s wider plans to invest more than £96 million into community cricket over the next four years across its national network of 39 County Cricket Boards.

Kent Cricket Board Director of Operations, Clair Gould, said “Last year’s survey attracted a fantastic response and our Clubs and Leagues have already responded with innovative and forward-thinking ideas which will all help attract more people to the sport and make it as inclusive as possible”.

“Whether it’s varying match times to suit the needs of shift workers or experimenting with innovative rule changes, our recreational game has shown a real willingness to be adaptable and responsive to players’ feedback.”

Players who complete the National Cricket Playing Survey at www.ecb.co.uk/playingsurvey2014 will have the chance to win prizes including signed bats, shirts and pairs of tickets to an England v India Royal London ODI.