Southampton Wicketz shortlisted for Sport and Recreation Alliance Youth Development Award

Back Story

In February this year, the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation launched the Get Into Cricket programme. An initiative centred around training and developing young people aged 14-18 at their club across all areas of the game. 

Wicketz sign-posted this opportunity to Frank’s parents and offered to fully support him to log the mandatory voluntary hours required at his weekly hub session.

The programme has enabled Frank to gain a toolkit of qualifications that could support him to join his local cricket club in the future.

The course included workshops on:

All Stars Cricket & Dynamos Cricket Activators Course (Coaching)

Introduction to Umpiring

Introduction to Scoring

The Grounds Management Association Workshop

Certificate in Emergency First Aid

Nutrition and Health Workshop

Since attending the course, Frank has gained in confidence and volunteered at this year’s annual CricFest event at the Gloucestershire county ground and was an integral part of running the day.

In the lead up to the CricFest, Frank nominated Wicketz to carry out his work experience week for his school. Based at the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundations Office, some of Frank’s tasks involved planning this year’s CricFest event. As someone who had attended CricFest in previous years, Frank’s contribution in the planning process offered significant value in considering what young people would like to feature. With Frank’s input, this led the direction of planning and the partners we wanted to invite. The outcome resulted in a successful two-day event that involved nutritional workshops with GCCC’s head nutritionists, the fire services, access to professional players, skills, and competitions. A favourite highlight featured of Nandos providing lunch!

Frank now plans to begin his coaching journey when he turns 16 next year.

This will offer Frank a chance to develop his skills and support the next generation at Wicketz.