Oxfordshire Cricket is excited to invite you and other interested representatives from your club, school, local authority, company, or association to our Cricket Development Evening (CDE), taking place on Monday, 27th January 2025 from 18:00–21:20 at St Edward’s School, Oxford.
The Cricket Development Evening is our annual event designed to support the growth and development of cricket across the county. It provides a valuable opportunity to network with key members of the Oxfordshire Cricket workforce, the ECB, and other local partners, as well as local authority officers and executives responsible for sport and playing pitch strategies.
In 2024, the event attracted over 120 attendees, with a keynote address from Leshia Hawkins, ECB Managing Director for the Recreational Game, who discussed the health of the game, the impact of Inspiring Generations, and the evolving cricket landscape. We also had a wide range of partners in attendance, including Serious Cricket, The Oxfordshire Officials Association, Flicx Pitches, and the Delivita Clubhouse Project. Watch the 2024 video roundup CLICK HERE.
For 2025, we’re pleased to announce that Alexander Betts, Local and Global Engagement Officer from Oxford University, will deliver a speech on sport, community, and partnerships. This will be followed by a series of panel discussions and a Q&A session focused on Inspiring a New Generation of Leaders and Volunteers. Workshops will follow later in the evening, covering a range of topics relevant to the development of cricket in Oxfordshire.
Workshops Available:
Attendees will have the option to select two workshops from the following:
- Planning Applications and the Planning Process in Sport – Bob Sharples and Vicky Aston (Sport England) – An overview of planning applications and strategies for sports facilities, with a focus on engaging local authorities.
- Fine Turf, Facilities in Inspiring Generations 2.0, and Working with Local Authorities – Dr Iain James (ECB) – A deep dive into fine turf management, grants, and the new strategic cycle, plus how to work effectively with local authorities.
- Play-Cricket Overview – Chris Seal (ECB) – Learn how to get players and clubs set up on the Play-Cricket platform, manage team data, and make the most of its features.
- Safe Hands Management System and Safeguarding – James Simpson (ECB) & Vicki Selby (Oxfordshire Cricket) – A walk-through of the Safe Hands Management System, safeguarding best practices, and upcoming initiatives.
- gcp Chartered Architects – Jonathan Platt, Matt Bonney & Owen Faunt (gcp) – A Pragmatic Approach to the Design and Development of Cricket Clubs. Helping large and small facilities to maximise their potential.
Event Timings:
Start Time | Start Time | End Time |
Arrival, Tea/Coffee/Food Reception | From 18:00 | |
Welcome, Key Note and Panel Discussions | 18:30 | 19:30 |
Welcome | Sam Keir – Event Host | |
Speech 1 | Alex Betts – Oxford University – University Local and Global Engagement Officer | |
Panel and Q&A Focus | Inspiring a New Generation of Volunteers and Leaders – Future Leaders Academy | |
Panel 1 and Q&A | Background, and the importance of Inspiring a New Generation. Introduction to the Future Leaders Academy and the Impact so far. Hear from Oxfordshire pathway, and current academy graduates on the importance of volunteering and leadership. | |
Panel 2 and Q&A | Experiences from Parents and Participants | |
Panel 3 and Q&A | Real life examples of Young Leadership in schools, and community | |
Workshop 1 – These will run for 45 minutes | 19:35 | 20:20 |
Short Interval | Break | |
Workshop 2 – These will run for 45 minutes | 20:35 | 21:20 |
Partners:
As you arrive, you’ll have the opportunity to explore displays from our event partners, including:
- Flicx Pitches
- Notts Sport / Slatter Cricket and Play
- Serious Cricket
- Leonardo Royal Hotel
- Sixes Oxford
- Oxfordshire Officials Association
Refreshments
Refreshments will be provided in the form of drinks and light food
Location and Parking:
Venue: St Edward’s School, Woodstock Rd, Oxford OX2 7NN
Parking: Available on the ‘Field Side’ of the school (Postcode OX2 7NZ). Parking spaces are available near the Netball/Tennis Courts (No. 46) and astro pitches. Attendees will be directed to the Olivier Hall via signage.
For a detailed map of the school and parking areas, please click here to see the attached map.
Book Your Place:
Click here to register for your free place!
We hope to see you at this exciting event! Further details will be shared closer to the date. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact us.