NatWest CricketForce 2011
Debate the prompted us to be involved

Sponsored by NatWest Bank and promoted by the ECB, CricketForce is a annual National event now in its 6th year. It is a "Groundforce" (Remember Alan Titmarsh) style Club makeover, carried out pre-season, by volunteers against a deadline – this time 10th April 2011 when achievements are normally celebrated party style in the presence of "celebrity" guests.

   Matlock have participated for the last 4 years with declining enthusiasm and our last endeavour was described by one member as "cricket farce".

   We have perhaps a last chance this year to put this right.

   So far 1039 clubs have registered for the 2011 event and Sawley & Long Eaton CC have been announced as a 2011 UK Showcase Winner for their planned project of "refurbishing their changing rooms & pavilion, painting and decorating and working with other sports (football and rugby)". Last year Ashbourne CC collected £6000 in donations and attracted 40+ volunteers.

   To keep our options open Matlock CC have registered for 2011 but to proceed we now need to take the following steps and once again seek volunteers.

1. APPOINT AN ENTHUSIASTIC PROJECT LEADER
Enthusiasm and excellent communication skills are required for this role.

2. RECRUIT A VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Someone who can empower a team of volunteers who collectively have the skills to do all that is needed...club members/community/parents and family of children within the junior section who have the required skills!!

3. SET LONGER TERM AIMS
Any of the following:_
To improve facilities and access to facilities at Matlock CC.
   To get more people involved and provide a structure and volunteer policy that works to enable them to stay involved.
   To engage and involve more Businesses, Voluntary Sector Organisations, Local Authorities, Community Organisations, Schools and Young Leaders.
   To increase Sponsorship, Income.
   To raise the profile of your cricket club in Matlock.
   To achieve targets set within your Club Development Plan

4. SET OBJECTIVES
Simple such as to paint the changing rooms, sightscreens, fences or demanding such as acquire and install an electronic scoreboard.

5. SELECT TASK LEADERS
Select a 'Leader' for each task with responsibility for its planning, manning procurement & execution.

6. PLAN EARLY – AUTUMN/WINTER
Announce outline of plan to all club members Provide opportunities to get involved.

7. PUBLICISE
Make the best of media coverage Ð think outside the boundary Send out a press release with your aims and objectives and inform the media of the bigger picture. Request for business, local authority and volunteer support.

8. THE WEEKEND – 9 & 10 APRIL 2010
Organise a 'Big Start' – Breakfast for all.
Official start by local MP/County Cricketer/Celebrity.
Celebrate – Have Fun – Perhaps ask someone to make a speech.

9. AFTER THE EVENT
BRAG! Tell people what you have done. Write an article for your local paper Send a letter of thanks to all outside bodies who have helped & congratulations to all involved.

NatWest CricketForce day is Sunday, 10 April, at Causeway Lane commencing at 9am

Please come along and help spring clean and tidy up the ground

   Each year through the sponsorship of Natwest we receive £500 for Cricket Force Day but we need volunteers to help this to be achieved and to carry the various tasks to make it a successful day

   Jobs to be done include cleaning painting sweeping etc there is a separate list of jobs attached to this

   Please contact Mick Lander on 07890242161 or mick.lander@hotmail.com and let him know if you can help out on the day or by providing any of the materials / skills identified or even better if you can provide other skills and resources

   On the day we will provide food etc for all helpers

So please help if you can

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