On Friday, September 20, the Warwickshire Cricket Foundation welcomed 13 Cricket Collective winners to Edgbaston to receive their awards from Gavin Larsen, Warwickshire County Cricket Club’s Performance Director.
The Cricket Collective Awards celebrate volunteers who go above and beyond to help make cricket happen. Without these individuals, cricket would not function as it does at these clubs.
The Game Changer award is given to a young volunteer making a difference in the game (for 17-25-year-olds).
Reece Starling from Weoley Hill Cricket Club has been coaching for three to four years. In the past 12 months, he has taken over as Head of Junior Cricket and become a member of the main committee.
He has played a key role in developing the junior section of the club, which consists of seven junior teams participating in WCF competitions. He has coordinated this effort by engaging with parents, coaches, senior members, and others to ensure that young players have opportunities to participate in games.
Currently, the club has over 90 junior members.
As a member of the committee, he is working with the Head of Senior Cricket and other committee members to ensure that players from U13 to U17 are participating in suitable senior cricket. This included the launch of Weoley Hill’s Sunday 3rd team in the Arden Transitional League.
In April 2024, Reece took on the responsibility of the grounds role at Weoley Hill. Reece stepped up with support from older players and since the beginning of the season, he has prepared pitches, repaired wicket ends, and cut the outfield each week.
Congratulations, Reece. Weoley Hill and the Warwickshire Cricket Foundation recognise that this is a remarkable achievement for someone so young.