VOLUNTEERS

Matt Ricks - East Dean & Friston CC

Matt Ricks joined our club as a volunteer just months ago, and in that short time has transformed the future of junior cricket in our village. Spotting an opportunity within our existing All Stars and Dynamos programme, Matt took it upon himself to create a brand-new Under 9's team from scratch.

His commitment has been extraordinary. Matt enrolled himself onto an ECB coaching course at his own initiative, and when offered financial support from the club, he refused it — determined to fund his own development. He designed and produced his own marketing materials to promote the new team, helping build enthusiasm and awareness across the community.

Every Friday evening, Matt runs a training session that has become the highlight of the week for local families: an hour of coaching followed by a BBQ, with every parent and child made to feel genuinely welcome. He even secured a sponsor to provide free branded shirts for the whole squad. The feedback from families has been outstanding, and Matt is already planning the next step — developing this group into an Under 10's team for 2027.

What makes this even more remarkable is Matt's day job as an orthopaedic surgeon at Eastbourne DGH. On more than one occasion he's arrived at training straight from surgery — once mentioning, almost in passing, that he'd been stitching up a patient's shoulder just half an hour earlier.

Matt's enthusiasm, selflessness, and fresh energy have made an immediate and lasting impact on our club.

Fabian Gilchrist - Bexhill CC

Fabian joined Bexhill around 7 years ago when he signed up for All Stars Cricket through his primary school. He has always been enthusiastic and has easily fitted into the club’s volunteer led club culture. 

As he got older, Fabian started off by scoring senior matches learning how to do this online, a role he performed wonderfully for two summers only giving up so that he could play Saturday cricket himself. In 2025 he and his friend George ran the kitchen on Sunday mornings to help raise money for the club to purchase FrogBox which it is now very close to completing and in 2026 he was the assistant All Stars Activator being present every Sunday to help run sessions for the 20 something children who attend.

He has the cricket bug! He did a weeks work experience with the SCF in 2026 and is an ever present at club work parties and socials always willing to help no matter what the task.

Dylan Griffiths - Shoreham by Sea CC

Every sports club has that one irreplaceable figure who transforms the entire community, and for us, that person is Dylan. He is an absolute hero at the club, having single-handedly built our thriving junior section up from scratch over the last five years. Thanks to his visionary leadership and tireless dedication, the junior section is now over 120 strong. Through his efforts, Dylan has enabled countless children to experience, enjoy, and become great at cricket, instilling a lifelong love for the game in the next generation of players.

Of course, no hero works entirely alone. Dylan and his supportive wife, Ro, truly run the show as a team, pouring their hearts into the club's operations. Because of their hard work, Buckingham Park is alive with vibrant cricket and a deep sense of community every single Friday night throughout the season. It has become the weekly highlight for families, filled with laughter, energy, and great sport. Dylan’s immense passion and unwavering commitment have not only elevated our youth program but have genuinely made our club an amazing, welcoming place to be for everyone involved.

Laura Goulds - Haywards Heath CC

Laura undertakes a number of critical activities at Haywards Heath CC (HHCC), and without her truly magnificent efforts, the club would not be where it is today. As well as a working wife and mother to three junior players, she sits on the HHCC Committee as Bar & Social Secretary.

She not only ensures that a rota for senior matches is maintained during weekends, but also provides bar and BBQ cover, food, shopping and organisational skills to our wonderfully attended (150+) friday evening junior training sessions. Without this, the club finances as well as the local community services provided by our junior section, would not be where they are today.

In addition to all this, Laura also plays a key committee role (membership & kit) for our popular women's soft ball and soon to be hardball section of the club. Laura has been critical in developing this area of the club over the last 3 years, playing, organising and ensuring the ongoing safety and enjoyment for our women's section, now 30+ strong. She always maintains a positive, smiley attitude and is respected by all the members of the club. She is also a fine bowler, and developing batter. I do not know how she manages to balance all of these volunteer activities, but without her HHCC would be a less happy, safe and organised club.

Lewes Legends - Daisy Moore, Violet Bassett, Amber Lanaway, Scarlett Olliver, Saskia Wells & Ella Bartholomew - Lewes Priory CC

I would like to nominate the Lewes Legends U14 girls for their exceptional dedication to supporting and inspiring younger girls in cricket.

The girls regularly give up their own time to help younger girls enjoy and participate in cricket. They have supported numerous events, including a girls' cricket festival at The County Ground, where they helped create a fun, welcoming environment and encouraged participants to develop a love for the game. While also taking on roles as umpires and scorers.

Their commitment extends beyond special events. On Friday evenings, they volunteer alongside coaches at Lewes Priory Cricket Club, helping deliver engaging and exciting training sessions for the U9, U10 and U11 girls age groups. They bring energy, enthusiasm, and encouragement to every session, acting as positive role models for the younger players.

Their willingness to volunteer, share their experiences, and help others develop confidence and skills is having a real impact on the growth of girls' cricket in our club and community, ensuring that the legends legacy continues  by leading by exemplary example. They embody teamwork, leadership, and community spirit, and their efforts ensure that younger girls have the opportunity to enjoy cricket just as much as they do. I believe they show a maturity way beyond their years and will continue to help the growth of girls' cricket.

The Lewes Legends are truly deserving of recognition for girls so young themselves, their selfless contribution and the positive difference they make to so many young female cricketers is truly inspiring.

Gemma Gamble - East Dean & Friston CC

Gemma Gamble embodies what it means to champion others in recreational cricket. A busy solicitor and single mother to Grace and Benjamin, both recent Sussex game mascots - Gemma's connection to cricket runs deep in her Welsh blood, nurtured by watching her husband Neil captain East Dean & Friston CC. Following Neil's sad passing in February 2023, Gemma channelled her grief into building something remarkable for the club's next generation.

She took the lead on All Stars and Dynamos, recruiting, training, and briefing an activator team of nine volunteers who together delivered cricket sessions to almost 50 children aged 5–11 this summer. Gemma personally distributes leaflets across local schools and the village's network of mums, ensuring no family is left unaware of the opportunity to get involved. She also raises funds for the club to invest in equipment and improved community resources.

Her impact goes beyond participation numbers. This year, three brand-new youth teams - Under 7s, Under 9s, and Under 11s - played their first-ever fixtures, laying foundations that could feed players into the senior game for years to come. Gemma made safeguarding a visible priority by involving the Club Safeguarding Officer directly in sessions, giving parents real confidence and reassurance.

Through wind, rain, and the challenges of early-season training, Gemma kept every volunteer and parent motivated and cheerful. Her belief and persistence have convinced the club's Youth Leadership team that even a small village club can have big ambitions.

Gemma doesn't just support volunteers, she inspires them to believe in what's possible.

Gemma’s incredible work has been shortlisted for the National Cricket Collective Champion Award, which you can vote on here. Please show your support!