A Warm Welcome

First and foremost I must begin by giving sincere thanks to The Yorkshire Cricket Club Supporters Association for their very generous donation which assisted in maintaining and repairing damage to the nets after yet another highly successful year.

Many will say that that extensive use of the Centre in the past year is down to England's success in the Ashes series. Whilst not underestimating this achievement, I would say that the quality of coaching has helped more than anything else to raise the profile of the Centre. One to one coaching in particular has again seen a significant increase. The knowledge and expertise of our coaches is tremendous.

The season of 2007 was a great one for Yorkshire junior age group cricket. The U13, U15 and U17's were national Champions in their respective competitions and the U12's and U16's won major tournaments during the summer. It is true to say that every cricketer involved in the their successes has been coached by the coaching staff here at the Centre. I can report that the future of Yorkshire cricket is bright.

Grass roots cricket is also strong. Net hire and the numbers attending courses have been steadily on the increase. There have been instances during the winter when I have had to turn people away because we just did not have the space. Schools continue to be well represented. The Cricket in the Classroom initiative saw over 3,000 pupils through its doors last year. Business is certainly booming.

All in all Yorkshire County Cricket Club can be proud of the Centre and its work. The development of cricket at large and the progression of emerging cricketers are in safe hands.

Andy Rowsell
Cricket Centre Manager