Goodliffe brings previous expertise in management and development to new role as DCB Facilities & Funding manager

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

DEVON cricket’s new facilities and funding manager Nick Goodliffe plans to use his previous experience to help clubs develop both sides of the boundary rope.

Goodliffe has spent the last month settling into his new role and getting to know clubs’ wants and needs around the county.

High on the priority list will be the development of a Devon Cricket facilities strategy that harmonises with ECB objectives and is the right fit for cricket clubs across the county.

Facilities on and off the pitch are part of Goodliffe’s remit and he believes his previous roles have prepared him well for the challenges ahead.

“I hope my background in project engineering, maintenance and facilities management will stand me in good stead in this new role for Devon Cricket,” said Goodliffe.

“In line with all other county cricket boards, Devon has been tasked to develop a county facilities strategy over the course of 2022. 

“The overall aim is to identify key areas for facilities improvement and investment to enable cricket to flourish across all corners of Devon. 

“This exercise will involve consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, encompassing cricket league and club representatives as well as the wider sporting fraternity. 

“The result will be a plan for the next 10 years to help drive cricket development and growth in the right direction.”

Goodliffe’s diary is going to be rammed for the immediate future as there is a lot more to his job than preparing a countywide facilities strategy.

A number of clubs in Devon have improvement projects on the drawing board and are waiting for grant funding approval so they can get cracking.

Money from the ECB is allocated to the Devon Cricket Board to distribute as it sees fit. A four-person panel decides which clubs will benefit.

“There will be considerable effort at several of our clubs who successfully receive a grant award and I will be available to support them and others planning to embark on improvement projects,” said Goodliffe.

Although other sports get support from district councils all over Devon, the picture for cricket is patchy at best. That is an issue Goodliffe plans to tackle.

“I will be liaising with all local authorities to ensure playing pitch strategies have local cricket provision and facility improvements featuring prominently on their action plans,” he said.

Bricks and mortar aren’t Goodliffe’s only concerns. The most important facility is a ground to play on and maintaining them in tip-top condition is another of his priorities.

“Among the new initiatives for 2022 is forging stronger links between clubs and the Grounds Management Association, which is the new name for the Institute of Groundsmanship,” said Goodliffe.

“With the name change came a change in strategy with a newly formed pitch advisory service tasked with becoming more individual sport focussed.

“Cricket now has a dedicated regional pitch advisor keen to re-engage with county pitch advisors and provide assistance to equip them with the tools needed to offer an advisory service to ground persons at our clubs. 

“I shall be applying effort to help get this new initiative off the ground and ensure that clubs are kept updated on progress.”

Nick Goodliffe knows all about the challenges of growing a club from his own experiences with Cornwood CC.

Over the past 20 years he has been a player – he still is – as well as vice-chairman and colts manager. Sons Adam and Josh are players and wife Sadie is the regular wicketkeeper in the ladies team.

Matt Theedom, the Devon Cricket Board’s managing director, said Goodliffe’s appointment will help clubs turn pipedreams into blueprints.

“As part of our further commitment to support our cricket clubs to be welcoming places for our players and families, we see Nick’s appointment as an important one in being able to help clubs with professional and dedicated advice.”

“Clubs should contact Nick if they have projects in the pipeline they would like to discuss or if they need advice about any issues they are facing.”

To contact Nick email nick.goodliffe@devoncricket.co.uk or call 07801 178329.