On Friday, August 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 Connecting Communities Award is given to a club or community organisation which has gone above and beyond to #raisethegame and support communities and/or groups.
John Beart of Alderman Smith’s No Balls Cricket received the award for his dedication to bringing people together to share a passion for the game.
In 2023, John created the cricket club from the ground up, and since then, he has built successful men’s and women’s teams.
The club focuses on getting older players active, supporting mental health and wellbeing, and encouraging non-cricketers to try cricket for the first time.
He has established a club with over 45 registered players that participate in softball and hardball pairs and friendly games, as well as training sessions and socials, by reaching out to local minority communities such as the LGBTQ, BAME, and Veteran communities.
Stephen Beamish, Secretary at Alderman Smith Cricket Club, said “The most incredible thing is that John has no previous knowledge or background in club administration and has done so solely with my assistance. The help and encouragement that it has provided to our members who would not have become active or played cricket otherwise has been incredible.”
Congratulations to John for all of his efforts at Alderman Smith Cricket Club.