The Surrey Cricket Foundation is pleased to announce an expansion of our team, driven by increased funding from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Chance to Shine, Lords Taverner’s and commercial partners who share our commitment to developing cricket across the county. This strategic move aims to enhance efficiency, increase participation, and solidify our position as a leading force in grassroots cricket.
To improve the overall player, volunteer and club experience, we have centralised the administration of key leagues and competitions, including the Surrey Junior Cricket Championship, the newly formed Surrey Cricket Championship, and the Surrey Women’s Cricket League. This will ensure smooth running, consistent application of rules, and a positive experience for all participating clubs and players.
Addressing the critical importance of high-quality playing facilities, we have appointed a dedicated Clubs Manager for Facilities. This role will work closely with the Club Support team to address the lack of both quantity and quality of cricket grounds in Surrey and south London, investigate potential solutions to ground maintenance challenges, advocate for increased investment in cricket ground infrastructure across the county, opening school sites and protect cricket sites at risk of being lost.
Recognising the vital role schools play in introducing young people to cricket, we are significantly increasing our engagement with state schools. A dedicated Schools Officer will actively seek out and build relationships with schools across the county, promoting the benefits of cricket for physical and mental well-being and further develop pathways for young cricketers to transition from school cricket to “play-on” opportunities.
Maintaining our leading position in women and girls cricket remains a key priority. We have maintained a dedicated Women and Girls Development Officer whilst also embedding the focus of Women and Girls cricket into the work of all departments within the Foundation.
To ensure long-term sustainability and to reduce reliance on external funding, we have appointed a new Business Development Officer who will develop and implement innovative commercial programmes, such as coaching courses, holiday camps, and corporate partnerships, generating a sustainable income and securing the future of the Foundation.
We have also expanded our marketing function to effectively communicate the impact of our work and inspire the next generation of cricketers, appointing a new Marketing Manager and a dedicated Communications Officer to develop and implement a comprehensive marketing strategy and share the inspiring stories of individuals involved in cricket across the county.
“This restructure represents a significant step forward for the Surrey Cricket Foundation,” says Chris Coleman, Director of Cricket Participation. “By investing in our team and streamlining our operations, we can better serve the needs of our clubs, schools, and the wider cricketing community. We are committed to growing the game at all levels, ensuring that cricket is accessible and enjoyable for everyone in Surrey. This expanded team structure will enable the Surrey Cricket Foundation to achieve its ambitious goals, including increasing participation levels, improving player pathways, strengthening the club network, and developing a more diverse and inclusive cricketing community. We are confident that this significant investment in our team will have a lasting and positive impact on the future of cricket in Surrey.”
