Mark Couch is a long-term Trustee of the Devon Cricket Foundation, being appointed Chair in 2024 and helping oversee the transition from the Devon Cricket Board into a charitable trust.

"It is an honour to have overseen the transition from the Devon Cricket Board to the new Devon Cricket Foundation and officially becoming a charitable trust.

"During this time we have added a wealth of knowledge by appointing Trustees with many years of experience in Finance, EDI and Operations of multi-national organisations to name a few, each adding to the exceptional team of Trustees that have overseen the transition with me.

"The future is looking bright both on and off the pitch despite the many challenges cricket and the community as a whole face."

As a passionate advocate for sport and community engagement, Mark brings a wealth of experience from both his professional and sporting life to the Devon Cricket Foundation.

Mark's professional journey began with a unique blend of sport and business. After qualifying as a teacher in both subjects during his university years, he spent several years teaching PE, where he fostered young talent and encouraged the value of teamwork and fitness.

Eventually, Mark transitioned into the family business, Short Run Press Ltd, which he has been driving forward for over 20 years.

Despite the demands of his professional career, Mark's love for sport never wavered. An active player of both cricket and hockey for local clubs, he demonstrated leadership on and off the pitch by taking on roles as a coach and captain.

Over time, as his playing days waned, his enthusiasm found a new outlet in cricket coaching. Mark has worked extensively with Teignmouth & Shaldon CC and the South Devon District, where his mentorship has been invaluable to budding cricketers.

Mark's dedication to cricket extends beyond coaching and playing. He has been a long-standing member of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League Management Committee, contributing his expertise to the development of the sport in the region.

In 2017, he joined the Devon Cricket Foundation, where he now serves as Chair, guiding the organisation's efforts to promote cricket across the county.

As a leader, Mark Couch embodies the Foundation's mission to inspire and engage communities through cricket. His combined experience in business, teaching, and sports ensures that the Foundation continues to thrive, reaching new players and fostering a lifelong love of cricket in Devon.

"Over the coming months, we hope to push forward with all the programmes that the DCF run and develop facilities available to the performance sides.

"We hope to develop our own new initiatives that are unique to Devon which will form part of the new Foundation Strategic Plan which the Trustees and employees of DCF are working hard to shape the future. The new strategy will be published in the new year."