The responsibilities of the Bucks Cricket Board Cricket Development Manager include:

Increasing participation, club membership, club affiliation, coaching roles and volunteering roles, together with securing funding, promoting equity, and ensuring strong relationships with our communities. Contact Damien Dunlop

2008 - REPORT OF BUCKINGHAMSHIRE CRICKET DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Damien Dunlop.

Many people would presume that June, July and August are the busiest times of the year for cricket development and the volunteers at the Bucks Cricket Board. However, I can exclusively reveal that all months are busy due to the responsibilities we have these days, not least to keep monitoring and evaluating the Key Performance Indicators that secure funding from the ECB.
After spending many months collating data, working with clubs and ensuring that our systems are robust, we have achieved all our aims and at the time of writing we are awaiting confirmation that our ECB Performance Related Fee Payment will be granted. However, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels, as, being a very large Minor County this extra funding brings more responsibility and we have been, along with key members of the OMG and County Board, working out how best to align our resources to meet our needs. We are looking to enhance our operation in the key areas of governance, clubs administration through IT, coaching, affiliation, communication and staffing.
 
Last year the BCB added a part time administrator to its staff and are currently short listing for a part time community cricket coach. 2009 will also see the BCB deliver two Chance to Shine programs that will compliment the four programs currently being delivered by BCB Focus Clubs.
On the field our activities continue to be successful and expanding. The board thanks to our sponsor The Gadget Shop was able to promote two Kwik cricket competitions for the Under 6, 7 and 8’s. At club level the junior age group league and cup competitions now have over 1000 fixtures with the winning teams progressing through to the national finals. At county representative level boys Under 9-17 and Girls U13, U15 and U17 are all competitive and played over 120 matches. The District cricket programme continues to grow and its effectiveness is building with increasing numbers of boys and girls progressing into the county teams. The indoor winter programme for junior representative squads continues to increase in quality and quantity. To support all of these activities at Club, District and County Level the BCB have implemented and promoted a comprehensive coach education and child welfare programme. Lets hope the summer of 2009 is HOT and SUNNY!
2008 staged the inaugural Bucks Cricket Finals day held at Stowe School. The event was a huge success with over 350 players and parents attending to watch the Bucks Under Aged Cup Finals. This year the event will be held on the 12th July 2009 and I would encourage you to attend to witness an excellent day’s cricket. You will be entertained by the Under 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 Cup Finals. 

I would like to thank the members of the BCB for their dedication and hard work over the past year along with the efforts of the operational management group. At the grassroots level the BCB are extremely grateful to all clubs and their many volunteers who contribute many hours to the healthy position cricket in Bucks is in.
As a progressive sport, cricket is at the forefront in developing youngsters in this country. It is not fair to say that juniors do not play in schools and clubs, but it is equally unfair to expect juniors (and money!) to come your way if you sit back and do nothing. Be warned, it might seem a harsh message, but clubs in particular must be prepared to help themselves in today’s current climate. I expect a surge in popularity and hopefully, a surge in funding opportunities in the next few years-don’t miss out!
2009 brings another eagerly awaited clash for the Ashes, let’s hope that this year’s series has all the ingredients, twist and turns the 2005 series provided and inspires more people to become involved in our wonderful game.
The result.................watch this space!