Kington Langley Cricket Club (KLCC)

Ashes to Ashes

England's success in the recent Ashes series against Australia has helped to raise the profile of professional cricket and created interest for many men and women who previously had none. This, at a time when the grass roots of the sport is heading towards a sad demise, is a timely and significantly important reminder.

The decline of grass roots cricket over recent years has been due mainly to policy and cultural changes such as selling off school playing fields, villages becoming commuter bases (and car parks for local schools but don't get me started on that one!) but also the ever lengthening football season and BSKYB. As a result grass roots cricket is struggling, like never before, to survive and will probably (and sadly) cease to be a true national sport in the fairly near future.

Kington Langley, whilst fortunate to have the facilities (currently) to buck the national trend of decline, is also moving in the same direction despite the best efforts of a few, if not local, enthusiasts. The issue, in this case, stems from the ongoing non playing support and resources required for any club to succeed - Ground keeping (fantastic job over previous years by George and Maurice), youth coaching (none currently but previously youth and ladies teams well supported), fundraising (none), communication (how many were aware that KLCC finished top of their league in 2004?)

To continue to host and play matches in 2006, KLCC will be reliant upon a) someone to take over/ assist with the ground keeping, b) Pete Hazelhurst being willing and able to pick up the manager/ captain mantle yet again and c) the facilities and equipment lasting another year. Even with these key components there is only likely to be two local village players in the team and the lack of a youth coaching scheme will see this number only reduce further.

There is, however, a great potential opportunity for the village youngsters of all ages to learn and play a fascinating team game that has recently introduced some exciting new playing formats, in our own village environment should the right support and resources be available. It is time for this village to get involved and support what has always been an 'English village tradition' and do their part to ensure the survival (and success) of cricket for our kids in the future. 

Alan Haines

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