IMPACT REPORT 2023

8 NOT TI NGHAM S H I R E COUNT Y CR I CK E T C LUB CLUBS, LEAGUES AND THE WORKFORCE The very foundation of our network is to be found in our clubs & leagues, and the volunteers who give freely of their time to ensure thousands of recreational cricketers can pursue their passion. Our clubs have been well supported financially, with £133,286 of investment provided over the past year through County Grants and Inspire to Achieve Grants from the ECB, as well as the At Risk Fund provided by the Recreational Cricket Advisory Group. A new Sunday League steering group, meanwhile, has been established to support this much-loved format of the game. And our work in ensuring that cricketing environments across the county are safe and welcoming continues, with 40 club safeguarding officers and 29 coaches trained in how to ensure the safety of young cricketers. With financial support and organisational expertise at hand, our clubs have continued to progress. The recreational network is home to a host of recently- upskilled volunteers, including 28 umpires, 15 scorers, 35 young leaders & officials and 138 coaches. Elsewhere, 51 coaches attended First Aid courses, while our efforts to ensure individuals of all backgrounds feel welcome in the coaching community have seen us support 21 people through coaching bursaries supporting women, the BAME community and people with disabilities. In total, 174 individuals from across the network are now members of the Notts Coaches Association, with 96 in the Notts Association of Cricket Officials. The passion and ability of the cricketing workforce is a key factor behind the awarding of ECB Clubmark accreditation to 35 clubs in the county in the past year. We were humbled by tales of individual dedication too, and were delighted to be able to honour 150 volunteers through reward and recognition events, and read stories of tireless work and achievement from 69 nominations for our Grassroots Cricket Awards. CASE STUDI ES CROWDFUNDING With ever-increasing demand, especially from a growing women’s section, placing pressure on facilities, Collingham CC’s non-turf practice facilities were in urgent need of an upgrade. Tasked with securing £60,000 after devising a plan to meet ECB standards, the club secured grants, engaged with partnership funders and completed a crowdfunding project which involved a 26-mile walk from Collingham toTrent Bridge to raise funds. FROM PART ICI PANT TO COACH Bilal Hussain’s journey with Chance to Shine began as a Street Cricket participant in 2016, before he began to share his love of the sport with the next generation as a volunteer coach after he became too old to take part himself. After Nottinghamshire funded his Foundation I coaching course, Bilal became a key part of our recreation- al coaching team, and shared his story with the nation on Sky Sports during the final Test of the summer.