Leicestershire Monthly Report - February 2022

I am a strong believer that out of adversity comes opportunity.

Well for February, we have had some challenges ranging from the ‘D -E- F’ of Storms to the ‘G’ for goodbyes to staff! If you have been following us via our social media channels, you will have noticed that sadly two of our coaching staff have left for pastures new. We said goodbye to First Team Bowling Coach, Tom Smith and Head of Academy, Ali Maiden who have both joined Yorkshire. It is always sad when people leave, but as mentioned I do then think it’s an opportunity to reflect on how we do things and look to build on them to improve even further. Firstly, however, I want to take this opportunity to thank both Tom and Ali for their services and contribution to the Club, and of course, wish them well for the future. For us now, Claude, Paul, and Myself will look at how we find replacements and should bring you news in the coming days and weeks. Rest assured the recruitment process is well underway and we have seen some very strong candidates apply for the positions, and I am excited by what they can bring to the Running Foxes.

 Sticking with the Cricket Pillar, it’s great to see our players getting fit for the upcoming season. Our ‘S and C’ team have worked hard with the players, and it’s particularly pleasing to see improving fitness levels. I certainly believe that we will be one of, if not the fittest in cricket this season. I for one can’t wait for the season to start.

 It was also really pleasing to see our Academy venture to Sri Lanka this winter. The feedback we have had from players, coaches, and parents has been excellent and on reflection, it looks like a trip that has served its purpose well. Our young players not only developed from the cricket experience, but I understand they have also learned from the ‘life experiences’ they had over there. For me, this is something I really want us to build on for the future.

 Moving onto our Company Pillar. During the winter there is, of course, lots of winter maintenance to undertake and the maintenance team have been busy ensuring that the Uptonsteel County Ground is ready for the start of our campaign. Those that have visited the ground will have seen some significant changes including the new entrance block, which will include a ticket office, reception, and club shop. There is still some work to complete the project but it’s certainly taking shape and looks to be transforming the ground. Additionally, our ‘Green’ is beginning to appear around the ground and as I have mentioned before will help build the ‘brand’ of the Club.

 Whilst it’s great to improve the physical facilities of the ground (and there will be more exciting news to come over the next months and years) it’s also about how we improve and develop our staff too. Through our Company Pillar we are working hard on training our staff and this month alone we have seen training being rolled out in topics such as ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, ‘Safeguarding’ and ‘Wellbeing’ to just name a few.

 The forthcoming season will be a major year for our Community Pillar.

Those that have seen me present our 2022 Strategy, will have noticed that an audit of how we work with our community is high on the agenda. I am very keen on us developing stronger and deeper links with all our community. This isn’t sadly going to happen overnight but if we continue to take baby steps in the right direction, I do think we can be a real pioneer in how it works. Over the previous month, it’s been great to meet a couple of our Clubs and discuss how we can work closer, and I have really been heartened by how clubs have responded to our plea to promote our fixtures. I do think we have a great cricketing community and I guess it’s how we really develop this for the betterment of all.

 Also, as part of our Community work it’s great to see the coaching programmes going so well and really pleasing to see how many are now considering this option. Our Women’s and Girls cricket continues to grow and seeing over 100 sign up is really encouraging as is the 44 Schools that have signed up to the Chance to Shine initiative.

 Moving to the Cash Pillar, hopefully by now you have seen the results for our 2021 financial year. If not please take a look as you will see this has been an all-time record year from the Club. This has been achieved by hard work, dedication, and support of members and sponsors. I must however stress that this is just one year and purely the foundation of where I and the board want to take us. For us to achieve our goals we are going to need increased numbers through our gates and even more businesses to support us. On that note, please spread the word about joining or getting involved with our club.

 Finally, the Commercial Pillar. The winter months are traditionally where a lot of off-the-field work is done. This winter is no different. It’s great to see our commercial properties selling out before the season starts, including player sponsorships, perimeter boards, the Gower Suite memberships, and new initiatives like the Captain’s Club. These are what I would describe as ‘winning signs’ for the Club. It’s obviously early and there is still much to do but nonetheless, the commercial team are working hard to attract people to be part of our journey.

 One of the additional benefits of business being associated to us will be a series of events we are aiming to run to try and create a real network of associated businesses. This month we held our first which was titled ‘Out of the Fox Thinking’ and saw a great evening with Paul Jenno of Jenno’s Coffee House. In this first session, it was interesting to hear his journey and share some business tips with the audience. There will be lots more of these types of events to come.

 There’s lots going on behind the scenes too including membership recruitment drives, further developing our Club Partner Programme, and a new look retail site (as well as the kit launch) that all mean that March should be another excellent month for the Club. I look forward to reporting on that next month.

 Lastly on Commercial, I would also like to wish Scott Rowland, good luck in his next chapter as he has decided to leave the Club and of course long-standing employee, Catering Manager John Stew who has decided to step down from running the ‘C and B’ department. With regards to John, the good news is that whilst he is taking early retirement, he will remain involved on a part-time basis with the Club and assist with the transition of a new catering offering. Again, we will bring you news of this in the near future.

 Finally, it would be remiss of me to not mention the Ukraine crisis. I as, all of us here are at the Club, are saddened to see what is happening and send our thoughts to those involved and stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine.

 Kindest regards

Sean