With relegation likely from the Shropshire Division One and general apathy shown towards the sport in recent years, Welshpool Cricket Club faces its most challenging time in a generation to ensure the game has a future in the town.
A recent emergency meeting was called by the club, allowing players, supporters, committee members as well as many from yesteryear to design a clear roadmap that will not only save the game, but hopefully see it prosper.
Mywelshpool attended the meeting and has asked one of the key men from the committee tasked with moving the sport forward the questions that need answering in order to ensure cricket remains ‘not out’.
We caught up with Dave Jones (pictured below):
Were you happy with the quality of feedback from the meeting?
Yes, I was encouraged by the number of people attending and pleased that we had a blend of players, ex-players, supporters, parents, wives and family along to hear about what is the start of a challenging but exciting journey that will have a positive outcome for Welshpool Cricket Club. All those who spoke up did so in a positive light, volunteers are coming forward to support a plan that they see as enabling the club to progress in the right direction.
How vital is it to implement the plan to ensure cricket's future in the town?
I think cricket will always have a place in Welshpool. The plan we have communicated and are about to embark upon is all about not only maintaining its place in town but enhancing the success of the club, the opportunity for all to play cricket and at the same time making it an enjoyable and desirable place to be.
The eight short term objectives are very ambitious... which are the most important in your opinion to get things moving?
All the objectives are equally important if we are to achieve our vision for the club. Our aim is to get on board the volunteers we need to make them happen. Therefore the effort continues to go into building the team to ensure we get where we want to be and judging by the number of people who came forward we are well on the way to having that team in place.
The ladies angle is interesting, how important a role can they play?
At the majority of clubs we visit during the season, the ladies, be they wives, girlfriends, family or followers of the game, are seen to play a key part in the culture and the success of the clubs. They bring a positive atmosphere to the club which in turn means the younger family members come along also. This can not only prepare those younger family members for a cricketing future but also enables the husbands and boyfriends to be given support which a great many of us appreciate. In summary, the family culture is developed and the ladies play a significant part in this process.
What are the main challenges you face in bringing this plan to life?
Already we have, I believe, in the region of 60% of the team we need to drive our plans forward. A further 40% (in the region of six) will be recruited because we have a determination to succeed. It is time for a few more of us to step forward and realise that being a club member is more than just playing. It is also a great way for the younger generation, by being part of a subcommittee and therefore being responsible to achieve tasks, to develop themselves acquiring skills and experiences that will benefit them in their future career. A real CV plus point!
What is the main message that you would like to send out to the town in regards to the future of cricket in Welshpool?
The club is keen to progress both on and off the field and actively invites anyone to come down to watch, support and take part in games both next season and beyond. We recognise that cricket can sometimes be seen as a game for a select few and we are determined to provide the opportunity to all to take part. All are most welcome.
So what next?
The time has come for the club members (and those not memebrs) to galvanise, under the guidance of a determined committee, to help us to make Welshpool Cricket Club the most attractive and forward thinking cricket club in the area. This will take much effort as there are some excellent clubs already within Mid Wales and Shropshire who have made significant improvements in various ways over the years. Now is our chance to learn from them and do the same!