Devon Cricket Board - Shepherd Foundation demonstrates worth

Shepherd Foundation demonstrates worth

CRICKET in Devon is already seeing a benefit from the David Shepherd Cricket Foundation, according to chairman Jack Davey.

The charitable foundation was set up following the death of much-loved cricket figure David Shepherd (pictured).

Shepherd, who died in 2009, started his cricket career with Devon, went on to play professionally with Gloucestershire for 15 years then took up umpiring.

Shepherd was the best-known umpire in world cricket when he retired in 2005, then returned to Devon to take over as county club president.

The David Shepherd Foundation was set up specifically to help young cricketers find their way in the game.

A training and match programme under the Devon Lions banner was launched in 2011 and has continued through the winter in readiness for the season ahead.

England’s Ashes winning coach Andy Flower is the foundation patron and an active one. He supported and spoke at a fund-raising dinner in Birmingham last year.

Davey, who played with Shepherd for Devon and Gloucestershire, said there have been several success stories in the short time the charity has been running. He hopes to see a lot more.

“Some talented cricketers not previously involved at representative level have been identified and now see cricket as an important part of their future life,” said Davey.

“Last summer the Lions played a number of matches against county academies and First Class universities, and were also delighted to host the England Deaf XI.

“In our 2012 Lions intake we were also delighted that George Greenway, an England Deaf XI player, has been added to the squad,

“As a result of the fixture at Budleigh Salterton against Oxford University MCCU last summer, against a Lions side with no players over 21, Charles Morris (left) has been included in the Oxford squad which will play matches against First Class counties during the 2012 season.

“The foundation were also pleased to contribute to the expense of a school overseas tour to Sri Lanka for one young player in 2011 - and were even more pleased when he was selected for the 2012 intake.”

Davey said the infrastructure put in place means players will be properly coached and guided on their cricket journey.

“They received specialist coaching for the 2011 season and we are particularly grateful to Mark Wagh (Notts) and Kabir Ali (Hants) who travelled some distances and gave up their time free of charge to pass on their cricket and life experiences to these young players.

“The recent addition to the coaching team of former England fast bowler and international bowling coach Peter Lever will ensure top-class advice is readily available.”

Training sessions have largely taken place at Exmouth Community College, one of the biggest State schools in Devon and potentially a fertile source of players at all levels of cricket for years to come.

The David Shepherd Foundation and the Devon Cricket Board have both been able to assist college principal Tony Alexander improving facilities for cricket.

The board brokered a £25,000 grant for new indoor net flooring and lights through the community clubs fund.

The foundation made a grant to the college for a bowling machine, which the school, the Lions and the wider community can use.

Said Davey: “There has been much debate in the past few years about cricket in State schools.

“The relationship between the foundation and the college we have created in such a short time illustrates clearly who this can work to the mutual benefit of both organisations.”

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773