8 Jun 2015 | Cricket
A combination of parent power and the commitment of a community coach has ensured an under-9 cricket team's season is going ahead after all.
Carmel & District Cricket Club in Flintshire had to withdraw from the North East Wales U9s league after their coach left the area and nobody within the club felt able to take over, leaving the squad of disappointed young players facing the prospect of a summer without cricket.
After posting the news on social media, Cricket Wales community coach Jamie Griffiths offered to help the club overcome their problem.
He provided support and guidance to develop a coaching team among parents and club volunteers, leading to one of the parents, Arun Kaimal, stepping up as team manager , with support from three others including a qualified coach all from within the club.
Mr Kaimal, who is a consultant at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Rhyl, had completed an ECB Coach Support Worker qualification, but did not have the confidence to take responsibility for the team until Jamie stepped in to develop the skills and knowledge among the volunteers.
This is invaluable help we have received and I want to thank Jamie and Cricket Wales for this outstanding example to achieve excellence in cricket development in the area, on behalf of the parents and children in our team, he said.
Guidance and support from Cricket Wales can make a hugely positive difference for parents and children who are interested in cricket in Wales.
Mr Kaimal, whose sons Rohit, aged 11, and Navneet, aged 7, both play for the club, said Navneet had been in tears at the prospect of the team folding, but was now both happy and grateful that the season has been saved.
Cricket relies on the commitment of volunteers, and it's also vital that we maintain a thriving junior programme to ensure the future of the game, said Peter Hybart, chief executive of Cricket Wales.
This is a fantastic example of a community coach going the extra mile to 'pump prime' activity in a club, leading to increased enthusiasm and commitment from parents and other club members to ensure that the youngsters get to play this season.
Cricket Wales is the national governing body for junior and recreational senior cricket in Wales. It works closely with Glamorgan County Cricket Club, which governs the men's professional game. For information visit www.cricketwales.org.uk
Image: Jamie Griffiths (left) and Arun Kaimal (right) with Carmel under 9 players Josh Jacob and Nav Kaimal.