Shows
The Community Cricket PodcastA Pathway for State School Children, with Darren TalbotIn this episode, we finally turn the microphone to face Twenty20 Community Cricket Founder and MD Darren Talbot, as he explains how and why he founded the company. We celebrate Darren’s recent award winning appearance at the Kia Oval, and he tells us all about his vision for plugging the coaching gap for state school educated children, and how he believes this is a premise that could work nationwide and not just within Surrey. He also shares how the set-up is tailored specifically to cater for its girls’ academy, as well as his plans for the future. Enjoy the...2024-09-2333 minThe Community Cricket PodcastParticipation For All, With Mark RamprakashThis week we are grateful to Mark Ramprakash for making time available to speak to us. Whilst you will likely be familiar with his professional career (as international or county player, or England men’s batting coach, or dare we say it, even on the dancefloor), his story and experience is of much greater breadth; whether in the role of Director of Cricket at Harrow School, or having come through the state school education system himself, Mark’s viewpoint covers all aspects of the UK cricket and coaching environment. Offering a balanced and well considered perspective, this is not to b...2024-09-1038 minThe Community Cricket PodcastCoaches Corner No.1This week we deviate from our usual interview format, and bring in one of our own, in the form of a chat with Robin Maslin, level 3 qualified head coach at Epsom CC, and Director / Head Coach here at Twenty20 Community Cricket. In the first of a series of ‘Coaches Corner’ chats we tap into the enormous wealth of coaching experience we have access to in order to help provide inspiration, additional ideas and solutions for the coaching community out there in the club cricketing environment. In this chat, we particularly focus on how coaches can avoid turning something relatively triv...2024-08-0636 minThe Community Cricket PodcastCricket Clothing Made FOR Girls, BY Girls, with Honor BlackThis week we were lucky enough to sit down and chat with one of the co-creators of Maiden Cricket, Honor Black. Honor (and her sister Cat) are the teenage brains behind the new cricket clothing brand for girls, and she shares the story of their experience in an environment otherwise so tailored towards male participation. We hear about their introduction into cricket, the inspiration behind the brand, the clothing the girls have created, and why. It's fabulous to hear how younger participants can both influence and bring a sense of entrepreneurial spirit, whilst helping to make cricket a truly...2024-07-2330 minThe Community Cricket PodcastComing Back From the Brink of Closure, with George TaylorThis week we chat with George Taylor of Colehill Cricket Club in Dorset, as he shares the dramatic story of the club. He relays how complaints from neighbours left the club staring at the prospect of closure, before a subsequent social media and crowdfunding campaign not only saved Colehill CC, but has seen it go on to scale new heights subsequently. A true ‘phoenix from the flames’ story. Enjoy the show! Notes on podcast series: The Community Cricket Podcast is brought to you by Twenty 20 Community Cricket Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation aiming...2024-07-0928 minThe Community Cricket PodcastBatting Simulation Technology, with Runish GudhkaIn this week’s pod, we speak with Co-founder & CEO at Batfast Sports, Runish Gudhka. Runish explains how high quality, adaptable batting simulation technology can now be available at your local club. He discusses how it is no longer necessary to have to emply a bowler or someone to feed a bowling machine in order for a batter to hit plenty of balls, and how the hardware and software created by Batfast could be employed not just at your cricket club, but as gamification and a means of increasing participation away from the typical environment. Enjoy the show! 2024-06-2537 minThe Community Cricket PodcastProviding State School opportunities via the MCC Foundation, with Adam DavidsonThis week we’re excited to bring you a conversation with Adam Davidson, Regional Programme Manager for the MCC Foundation. Adam tells us all about the programme, how it is tailored to provide free training and development opportunities for the selected state school cricketers across the country, how particpants can get involved, and some of the upsides of doing so. It’s a wonderful programme that stretches right across the country for both boys and girls in secondary education, so all clubs should be looking to put their players forward for selection. One not to be missed. Enjoy the show...2024-06-1124 minThe Community Cricket PodcastCricket Club Culture & People, with John OatesThis week we’re pleased to bring you a conversation with John Oates focussing on best practice around the commercial and marketing areas within cricket. John is the man behind Get Sport Support, a business tailored towards professional and community sports set-ups, and our conversation touches on everything from selling sponsorship and memberships, to community interaction, building a culture, and harnessing volunteers on a short term project basis. John draws together a wealth of industry experience to blend practical principles with genuine insight that will make a difference at your club. Check out details below to sign-up to a se...2024-05-2834 minThe Community Cricket PodcastBuilding a Village Club Community, with David JaquesThis week we welcome David Jaques, a genuine ‘lifer’ down at Capel Cricket Club in the Dorking area of Surrey, to share insights into how he’s helped play a key part in creating a community centric cricket club in a village context, against a backdrop where so many others have struggled. We hear how he has learned to harness local influencers, to make space for volunteers to grow into roles, the importance of a fun environment and the sheer depth of passion invested into the club. A true inspiration; enjoy the show! Notes on podcast...2024-05-1437 minThe Community Cricket PodcastEp 27: Digital Raffle Funding, with David GrayThis week we delve deeper into fundraising for cricket clubs, and in particular how digital raffle platforms specifically tailored towards sports clubs can prove extremely time efficient whilst also generating a regular source of club income. We speak with David Gray, Business Development Director at Play Fund Win, in order to find out more… Enjoy the show! Notes on podcast series: The Community Cricket Podcast is brought to you by Twenty 20 Community Cricket Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation aiming to support and promote cricket in state schools, to develop young cricketers of all...2024-04-3022 minThe Community Cricket PodcastEngaging via Backyard Cricket, with Alex SmithWe delve into new areas this week, via a conversation with Alex Smith, one of the co-founders of Backyard Cricket England. We hear how the burgeoning backyard cricketing scene in Australia proved the inspiration for a UK equivalent, the resultant Backyard Ashes series, and how the ‘jumpers for goalposts’ spirit of this form of the game can make for an easy entry but fun alternative brand of cricket for players of all ages to enjoy. Enjoy the show! Notes on podcast series: The Community Cricket Podcast is brought to you by Twenty...2024-04-1621 minThe Community Cricket PodcastExpanding Midweek Participation, with Matt CampThis week we speak with Matt Camp, the creator of Slam Cricket, a competition originating in the South of England out of the need to plug a gap in participation. Back in 2018, Matt was savvy enough to recognise that people’s time was at more of a premium than ever before, making all day recreational cricket at weekends an unworkable proposition for many. Hear how and why he set about providing a viable short form weeknight alternative for those who still want to play. Enjoy the show! Notes on podcast series: The...2024-04-0235 minThe Community Cricket PodcastLevelling the Playing Field for Girls, with Patrick William-PowlettThis week we chat with Patrick William-Powlett, chair at South Shields Cricket Club. We hear how Patrick has empowered club coaches to provide an abundance of hardball opportunities for juniors regardless of gender, and in particular how South Shields CC have pro-actively energised their girls section, whilst simultaneously nurturing relationships with local schools. Enjoy the show! Notes on podcast series: The Community Cricket Podcast is brought to you by Twenty 20 Community Cricket Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation aiming to support and promote cricket in state schools, to develop young cricketers of all ag...2024-03-1925 minThe Community Cricket PodcastLessons from Women & Girls’ Hockey, with Will Cooper & Georgie WoodThis week we change lanes somewhat, in exploring what lessons might be learned for cricket coaches from the field of women and girls’ hockey. To do so, we take inspiration from Georgie Wood and Will Cooper, who are captain and coach for the Reigate Priory 1st XI hockey team. We discuss similarities in approach with our own sport, how women’s hockey is much further developed relative to the development of women’s cricket, and some of the on-going struggles that Will is confronted with as a male coach in an otherwise all female environment. Equal parts inspiration and inform...2024-03-0543 minThe Community Cricket PodcastEnergising Wheelchair Cricket, with Russ CarterRuss Carter is a man who wears many hats, including that of coach, player and cricket equipment business owner. However it’s in his role at the forefront of the development of wheelchair cricket that we focus on for this episode, as Russ explains how becoming a wheelchair user himself led to his immersion into the expansion and enjoyment of cricket for others in similar siutations. From situation-specific rules, playing locations and equipment, to the drive for more players of all abilities, it is hard not to be inspired by Russ’ determination and remorseless energies to ensure that cricket trul...2024-02-2028 minThe Community Cricket PodcastInspirational Cricket in Czechia, with Chris PearceThis week we have the pleasure of a conversation with Chris Pearce to share with you. Chris runs the Kriketová Akademie in Czechia, and provides a truly fascinating insight into the challenges of energising a minority sport in a country where cricket goes largely unseen. Chris’ energy and passion are evident throughout, as he provides a masterclass in how to both cajole and inspire, whilst also reassuring parents that no horses are required! You won’t want to miss this. Enjoy the show! Notes on podcast series: The Community Cricket Podcast is brou...2024-02-0637 minThe Community Cricket PodcastSaving Money whilst Sourcing Funding, with Tom BaileyThis week we speak with Tom Bailey, chair, committee member, player and volunteer at his hometown club, Clitheroe CC. However its in his role as a director at TJB Sports & Community that we delve into the detail; because theirs is a business providing expertise and advice for sports clubs looking to save money and become more efficient. And which cricket club doesn’t want to do both!? We talk cost savings, sourcing funding, improving facilities, improved funding bids and a whole lot more. Sit back, and enjoy the show! Notes on podcast series: 2024-01-2329 minThe Community Cricket PodcastDigitally Managing Your Cricket Club, with Scott McKechnieFor our first episode of the new year we speak with Scott McKechnie, skipper and committee member at Dartford Cricket Club, former international wicketkeeper for Hong Kong and founder & CEO at PLAI Sport. Scott has devised an app that is designed to manage your cricket club’s affairs, generating more engagement and income, whilst taking less of your time to do so. Intrigued to hear more..? Listen on..! Notes on podcast series: The Community Cricket Podcast is brought to you by Twenty 20 Community Cricket Ltd, a not-for-profit organ...2024-01-0928 minThe Community Cricket PodcastExpanding Participation through Friendlies, with Andy James and Ben WhitehouseHave you ever considered how many potential casual cricketers are not catered for by regular, competitive, club match play? Andy James and Ben Whitehouse from the Friendly Cricket Collective certainly have, and they set about doing something about it in the Bristol area. Latent players both, they managed to build a sufficiently warm, welcoming and social cricket environment from the fringes of their children’s primary school, that openly recognised that irregular fixtures in a non-competitive context could appeal to the kind of potential player who might otherwise feel frozen out by the traditional club cricket environment. There are le...2023-12-1240 minThe Community Cricket PodcastA Supercharged Approach to Schools, with Jim ClarkeEver wanted to properly connect local schools to your cricket club? Then this is the podcast for you! This week our conversation is with Jim Clarke, Cricket Development Officer at Winchmore Hill Cricket Club. Suffice to say, Jim takes a pro-active approach to schools engagement to a whole new level, and the clubs that have been lucky enough to benefit from his efforts have done so with undeniably impressive results. Pin back your ears, and enjoy the show! Notes on podcast series: The Community Cricket Podcast is brought to you by Tw...2023-11-2829 minThe Community Cricket PodcastEp 16: An Environmental Focus to Benefit Your Cricket Club, with Bob PeirceWe veer into new territory this week via a conversation with Bob Peirce from Sidcup Cricket Club. Bob is the driving force behind many of the sports club’s environmentally focussed activities, from improving the aesthetics of the playing and surrounding areas, to dramatically reducing energy costs and driving efficiency through a range of endeavours, both large and small. Though Sidcup CC is part of a bigger sports club set-up, there are valuable lessons here for all cricket clubs, regardless of size; enjoy the show! Notes on podcast series: The Community Cric...2023-11-1426 minThe Community Cricket PodcastMaking the Club the Heartbeat of the Community, with Rich FeistWe’re excited to share this week’s conversation with Rich Feist, the long-time member and now chair at Merstham Cricket Club, as he explains the extraordinary breadth of the club’s reach across the local community. He shares a tremendous wealth of insight and inspiration in equal measure, relaying how the club has been involved in local schools, charities, sponsorships, food banks and so much more, enabling the cricket club to become the very heartbeat of the local community. If you’re looking for ideas as to how to breath energy into your local club, thi...2023-10-3136 minThe Community Cricket PodcastMaximising Digital Platforms, with John FullerThis week we chat with John Fuller, the man behind cricketyorkshire.com, an editorial website covering grassroots and club cricket in the Yorkshire region. With many years’ experience also on club committees and as a player as well as having created and run his own online presence, John is intriguingly placed to share his expertise in regards to the use of digital platform use within club cricket. We discuss how to make the most from digital content, Play Cricket, social media and LinkedIn amongst a host of others, as we look to share ideas that nee...2023-10-1741 minThe Community Cricket PodcastPlugging the Participation Gap, with Ben WilsonThis week’s conversation is with Ben Wilson, the driving force behind the Save Village Cricket campaign. It’s a campaign that started with trying to prevent his club from having to pull matches due to a shortfall of participants, and has expanded into a countrywide effort to drive participation via effective communication and lobbying. Ben shares his best practice on everything from enabling clubs to easily connect with a pool of players to cover last minute drop outs, to making provision for refugees to more easily participate in league and friendly cricket. 2023-10-0338 minThe Community Cricket PodcastEmpowering Young People through Cricket, with Chris WhitakerThis week our conversation is with Chris Whitaker, chair of the management committee of the Young Leaders in Cricket Programme; as the name suggests it is an initiative designed to improve and develop leadership and life skills through cricket, targeted at teenagers aged fourteen to sixteen. The programme encompasses a number of elements designed to encourage young people to take on voluntary roles at their clubs, from coaching to groundskeeping, and umpiring to scoring via fundraising and collaboration. A brilliant programme, it manages to develop new volunteers, as well as life skills amongst its participants, it is no surprise...2023-09-1937 minThe Community Cricket PodcastLearning From the Past to Improve the Future, with Duncan StoneThis week our conversation is with Duncan Stone, author of the book “Different Class – The Untold Story of English Cricket”, which explores the notion of inclusion and exclusion within cricket at all levels. It was a conversation we undertook in the hope that doing so would help to contextualise current day issues in cricket, and then to consider how we might pro-actively impact the game so it could have a more inclusive future; clearly a highly topical conversation at any time, but doubly so in the context of the ICEC report which was released earlier this summer. Duncan shares some o...2023-09-0531 minThe Community Cricket PodcastPotential Pitch Solutions, with Rich Beghin & Kate CostinThis week our conversation is with Rich Beghin & Kate Costin, founder and general manager respectively at Flicx. Flicx provide a potential answer to the problem of the increasing demand for pitch availability. Their solution comes in the form of an artificial, portable cricket pitch which can be rolled out more or less anywhere, creating a suitable place to get a game on, whether on a club outfield, or in a non-traditional cricketing environment. We discuss the fascinating origins of the product, how it has developed over the years, its relative cost effectiveness and how it c...2023-08-0136 minThe Community Cricket PodcastCulture, Values and Behaviour in Junior Cricket, with Simon HardsThis week we chat with Simon Hards, the Assistant Director of Cricket Participation for the Surrey Cricket Foundation. Simon was a key figure in the creation and implementation of a new Values and Behaviours Framework for the Surrey Junior Cricket Championship. The framework was created to further develop a positive culture in which young people can learn to love the game of cricket in Surrey, and consists of three core values (Spirit, Inclusion and Enjoyment) from which a number of key behaviours form across specific stakeholder groups (coaches/team managers, parents, guardians & spectators and players). W...2023-07-1840 minThe Community Cricket PodcastThe Connective Power of Walking Cricket, with Mac McKechnie & Kendal JamesThis week we speak with Kendal James and Mac McKechnie. Kendal is Participation Manager for the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, and Mac is the driving force behind the creation and expansion of the walking cricket programme within the Yorkshire region. This is a heart-warming and enlightening conversation themed around attracting older generations to participate in cricket, whether for the first time or returning after a number of years, in a way that makes the players feel safe and welcome, but whilst also creating space for social interaction and competition. We discuss how walking cricket started, gained m...2023-07-0438 minThe Community Cricket PodcastHarnessing your Youth Section, with Peter HerbertThis week we speak with Peter Herbert, junior coordinator at Stockport Trinity Cricket Club, based just outside of Manchester. Pete has been in the role for seven years and has an expert view on harnessing the All Stars programme and particularly on how to create a real sense of energy around youth recruitment. We cover a range of relevant topics, from succession planning, club pathways, collaboration with clubs in the locality, and going above and beyond the basic provision of the All Stars programme in order to ensure continuity and encourage the enjoyment of participants, i...2023-06-2039 minThe Community Cricket PodcastLearning from the Aussie set-up, with Henry CupittThis week’s interview sees Henry Cupitt joining us all the way from New South Wales, Australia. Henry has a tremendous wealth of experience as a club, association development and pathways coach both here in the UK and in Australia, having worked for Middlesex Cricket and the MCC, coaching privately and in the Kent Girls pathway. Henry is now a Cricket manager for Cricket NSW, driving participation in a region several times larger than the whole of the UK. This week’s conversation seeks to compare and contrast the coaching and club environments in both Austr...2023-06-0638 minThe Community Cricket PodcastCreating the Best Women’s & Girls’ Environment, with Sarah GinnThis week’s episode features a particularly interesting interview with Sarah Ginn, an inspirational coach who has been at the very forefront of driving participation for women and girls for the best part of two decades. Sarah has set up and run both St Fagans CC and Berkswell CC women’s sections, works with the juniors in the regional talent pathway in the midlands, and brings an enormous wealth of experience as player, motivator, coach and administrator. The conversation reveals any number of useful hints for clubs seeking a true direction in har...2023-05-2342 minThe Community Cricket PodcastChannelling All Stars to Energise Your Club, with Hallam CCThis week’s episode features a fascinating interview with Richard Storer and Humphrey Emery from Hallam Cricket Club near Sheffield, awash with a palpable sense of energising their club environment, and in particular upon embracing the All Stars programme. The conversation also explores the importance of club visibility, the challenges of providing girls a pathway into ladies cricket, expanding and enthusing volunteers, and how to motivate children to progress through the age groups into the adult teams. The Community Cricket Podcast is a new series created for anyone seeking to help club...2023-05-0946 minThe Community Cricket PodcastRunning Your Club, with John SwannickThe Community Cricket Podcast is a new series created for anyone seeking to help club cricket thrive, brought to you by the people at Twenty 20 Community Cricket Ltd. Today’s conversation is with John Swannick, founder of the Cricket Club Development Network. John has been involved in playing and administration around club cricket for many years, and in the absence of an alternative source of business support, decided to set up a community with the intent of sharing best practice in the development and day-to-day management of cricket clubs back in 2015. Now with well over 1,000 mem...2023-04-2545 min
The Community Cricket PodcastAn IntroductionThe Community Cricket Podcast is a new series created for anyone seeking to help club cricket thrive, brought to you by the people at Twenty 20 Community Cricket Ltd. Today’s conversation is a brief one between Darren and Tim, as they explain what you can expect from this series. In short, if you’re involved with club cricket… this podcast series is for you! Notes on podcast series: The Community Cricket Podcast is brought to you by Twenty 20 Community Cricket Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation aiming to support...2023-04-0405 minThe Community Cricket PodcastHarnessing Your Community, with Graham EkinsThe Community Cricket Podcast is a new series created for anyone seeking to help club cricket thrive, brought to you by the people at Twenty 20 Community Cricket Ltd. Today’s conversation is with the chair of Farncombe Cricket Club, Graham Ekins. Graham is a lifelong cricket fanatic, having started out as club scorer at the tender age of ten, through representing Surrey Young Cricketers and taking on almost every role going at Farncombe over many decades before eventually becoming chairman. As Graham himself says ‘I have seen the club through great times, bad times and curre...2023-04-0449 min