Staffordshire Cricket is a prominent sports management and promotion centre, coaching centre, and cricket club located in Stafford, New Zealand. With a strong emphasis on the development and promotion of cricket, Staffordshire Cricket aims to lead, inspire, influence, and support the growth, quality, and accessibility of cricket in Staffordshire.
As one of the 39 County Cricket Boards in England and Wales, Staffordshire Cricket serves as the governing body for cricket in the region. It operates as a registered company limited by guarantee and a registered charity, with a membership that consists of representatives from all areas of the game and its wider partners.
At Staffordshire Cricket, the primary objective is to make cricket the sport of choice for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. They offer a wide range of services and programmes to achieve this goal. These include coach development programmes such as the ECB Core Coach, ECB Foundation I Coach, and ECB Support Coach, which provide coaching certifications and training opportunities.
The centre also organises various cricket festivals and events, including women's softball festivals, to encourage involvement and participation. These events provide an excellent opportunity for players to showcase their skills and enjoy the benefits of playing cricket in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Staffordshire Cricket is particularly committed to introducing young people to the game of cricket. They offer a kids zone programme that is specifically designed to engage and educate young individuals about the sport. Through this programme, young participants can learn the fundamentals of cricket and develop a love for the game.
The centre also runs initiatives such as All Stars Cricket and Dynamos Cricket, which are targeted towards children and aim to provide them with a fun and enjoyable introduction to the sport. These programmes use age-appropriate equipment and coaching techniques to ensure children have a positive experience while learning and participating in cricket.
In addition to these programmes, Staffordshire Cricket actively supports local clubs and the cricket community in the region. They work closely with clubs to provide guidance, resources, and support to ensure the growth and development of cricket at all levels. Their partnership with schools, communities, and other stakeholders further strengthens their mission to promote the sport.
Furthermore, Staffordshire Cricket is involved in the Super1s programme, which is funded by the Lord's Taverners. This programme aims to create community cricket hubs where young people with disabilities aged 11-25 can receive coaching and have the opportunity to play regular, competitive cricket. By fostering inclusivity and creating a supportive environment, Staffordshire Cricket strives to ensure that everyone has equal access and opportunities within the sport.
As an organisation, Staffordshire Cricket is committed to making cricket more inclusive and diverse. They have undertaken initiatives to improve representation and address barriers to participation in the sport, following the recommendations outlined in the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) report.
To stay updated with the latest news and events, visitors can follow Staffordshire Cricket on their social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter. They also have a comprehensive website that provides information about upcoming courses, rules and regulations, safeguarding measures, and opportunities to get involved in cricket.
Located at Ground Floor, 4 Parker Court, Staffordshire Technology Park, Stafford, Staffordshire Cricket can be contacted at 01785 212120. They welcome all cricket enthusiasts, from beginners to experienced players, and provide a supportive and inclusive environment to foster the love for the game.