Devon Cricket Board - South Devon Youth League looking for new chairman

South Devon Youth League looking for new chairman

THE Wollen Michelmore-sponsored South Devon Youth Cricket League is on the hunt for a new chairman following Chris Partridge’s decision to stand down at the end of the season.
Partridge, who also manages the Devon Under-10 age group, has made the decision not to continue in the role due to increasing work commitments and involvement in other areas of cricket.
Partridge (pictured) said it was a difficult decision to make and one made with regret.
“Although the role of chairman is not hugely time consuming, over the past 12 months it has become increasingly obvious that I can't give the position the time and energy it really requires,” said Partridge, who took over from Jeremy Parr four years ago.
“Plus, I think it is healthy for organisations to have regular changes of leadership, which keep things fresh and vibrant, so the time is right to hand over the reins to someone else.”
The league is currently in good health with an established competition framework, which this season has seen 79 teams compete in various age divisions ranging from Under-10 to Under-19.
The competition is financially secure thanks to on-going sponsorship from Wollen Michelmore solicitors and a nucleus of current committee members are intending to remain in role for next season.
None of them are willing to take on the position of chairman, which means a new face is required.
“In many ways this is an unusual situation - often the leadership of organisations changes at times of decline or crisis - so for someone new to come in to an established and stable operation is an exciting opportunity,” said Partridge.
“Essentially the league is running well, although there are of course opportunities for fresh ideas and new ways of working, plus there are areas such as publicity and liaison with external bodies that we are probably not doing as well as we could.
“Hopefully, a new chairman will be able to pick up the baton and run with it to keep the league moving forward as it has over the past four or five years."
In addition to a new chairman, the league is also on the hunt for someone to manage the annual awards evening. Long-serving officer Ken Jeffrey stood down in 2013 and hasn't yet been permanently replaced.
“The awards night is really the highlight of our year and the one evening where we can bring the cricket community together to celebrate the achievements of around 1,000 players participating in our league,” said Partridge.
“Thanks to Chris Hart at Wollen Michelmore, we have a good link with Somerset CCC which has allowed us to get a guest of honour to present the trophies, plus we have an established regular venue at The Grand Hotel in Torquay.
“The main part of the job is to co-ordinate the ordering and engraving of trophies - which is slightly harder than one may think!
“The role involves a lot of work for maybe four or five weeks leading up to the event in November, then 11 months off!”
Anyone interested in either of the roles is encouraged to contact Partridge for an informal discussion. Call 07887 513 800 or email him at risingstars2010@googlemail.com

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