Three Herefordshire Coaches win ECB Coach Awards.

2 Jan 2024   |   By Kirsty Sockett

Three Herefordshire Coaches have won ECB Coach Awards. The annual awards say thank you to people that have made a significant contribution to coaching cricket.

The Outstanding Contribution to Cricket in the county was won by Nic Dinsdale:

"I have always loved cricket, whether playing or watching, but it is a real privilege to be able to pass this love of the great game on to next generation of cricketers. In coaching the youth at Kington Cricket Club and Lady Hawkins’ School over a number of years, my greatest pleasure has been to see the enjoyment the players get out of cricket. I am very proud of the successes that our junior teams have had in county and regional levels. Lady Hawkins’ is a small state secondary school, yet our teams of boys and girls have won county competitions over the past few years. I am particularly proud to be helping towards building a fully inclusive and gender equal approach to junior cricket, both at school and Kington Cricket Club. The development of girls’ cricket has been an important part of my vision. LHS girls' teams have not only been County champions in indoor softball and hardball cricket in the past few years, but they have also been regional runners up (2023) and winners (2022) of the West Midlands 'Chance to Shine' finals. I'm delighted that our local girls, and women,  have the chance to enjoy playing cricket with our Kington Comets team. Kington Comets go from strength-to-strength, with increasing numbers and so much enjoyment in playing cricket! The Comets are now playing competitive games and will enter the Herefordshire Women's Indoor League in the New Year. The future is looking very good for cricket in Kington and I'm delighted that so many juniors - girls and boys - are loving the game. I'm also excited that we now have an amazing team of coaches at KCC and there will be so many more opportunities for all juniors and women in our coming season."

Shameer Ahmed -  Young Coach of the Year

A young person who is already making a difference and is passing on their enthusiasm for the game by inspiring the next generation of players.

Delighted to receive this award! I love the challenge of inspiring and bettering the people I coach in cricket and life itself hopefully! I appreciate all the help I’ve had from the Herefordshire cricket board. They’ve played an integral part in kick starting my coaching journey and further igniting the passion I have for trying to help players in any way I can; whilst also assisting me along the way whenever needed. Thank You! "

Abi Griffiths - Coach of the Year

A coach who goes the extra mile and is a true hero at their club or in their community.

I love having the opportunity to go into schools and help both children and teachers grow their confidence and abilities within cricket. I 

first got into cricket through the Chance to Shine programme back when I was in Primary School, so it’s been amazing to have this full circle moment.

I hope to continue improving my coaching skills so I can provide even better coaching in the future.