We are delighted to announce that the Devon Cricket Board is set to become a charity and has changed its name to the Devon Cricket Foundation.
The Devon Cricket Board was formed in 1997, under the guidance of Roger Moylan-Jones and the then directors, to oversee all recreational cricket across the county. Over the past 26 years, the cricketing landscape has changed considerably, with more and more challenges being thrown at the game.
The move comes as we look to expand the work the professional staff at Devon Cricket undertake, with particular focus on the community work done under the 'Cricket for Good' banner.
"The need to continue to undertake more 'Cricket for Good' projects is behind the decision to rebrand as the Devon Cricket Foundation," said former Board Chair, Jon Sparkes, who has stepped down after six years in the role.
"The Lord's Taverners Wicketz programme in Plymouth and our county-wide Super1s hubs are long-running examples of this, but the Board has undertaken other work with, for example, Afghan asylum seekers."
"The move to a charitable status is an exciting one as we enhance our social purpose. Clubs, competitions and the Performance Pathway will always remain a large part of what we do, as we look to broaden the game and achieve our vision," says Managing Director, Matt Theedom.
"When I look back over the past 17 years of working in the game, we have expanded our remit well beyond our traditional settings. The presence we now have within schools, the All Stars and Dynamos programmes, the growth in women and girls' cricket, and the new opportunities in urban areas and disability cricket is fantastic to see. This goes some way towards our ambition of growing the game to new audiences."
The vision of the Devon Cricket Foundation is:
To develop a fun and enabling environment in which more people
in Devon play and are involved in cricket.
The strategic priorities until 2025 will continue to be:
- Increase opportunities for regular participation
- To raise the profile of cricket in schools
- Transform the culture of the girls’ game in the county
- Use the power of cricket to help people and build stronger communities
- Identify and nurture the most talented players in Devon
- For all cricket clubs to be a focal point in their communities
- Develop a new wave of officials and increase numbers across the county
- Grow the number, develop the confidence, and reward the dedication of volunteers across the game
With the move to a Foundation will come additions to the Board of Trustees. The Foundation are currently looking to recruit a Chair to replace Jon Sparkes following the completion of his tenure, while further EDI and Finances Trustees to be appointed in due course.
The Devon Cricket Foundation, whilst independent from will continue to work very closely with, Devon County Cricket Club, all clubs leagues and competitions (especially the Devon Cricket League and the Devon Women's Cricket League), and the Devon Association of Cricket Officials, to develop the whole game across the county and increase the positive impact that cricket has on our communities.
The support from the ECB, Chance to Shine, Lord’s Taverners and other partners will be vital in helping Devon Cricket Foundation have the significant impact that we all believe it can in years to come.
