Club Philosophy
The culture the club has embraced in recent years is providing cricket for all level of abilities across all teams in all formats irrespective of age, simply put – “If you’ve come to play cricket, you get to play cricket.”
From an early age at my first club I was keen to play adult cricket – unfortunately this excitement was often diminished by long afternoons stood at fine leg waiting for the ball to arrive and then being given the privileged batting position of 9, 10 or 11! I knew full well I could catch, bat and bowl I just needed a chance. I learnt a huge amount of my cricketing experience and values from my first senior captain, Chris Phillips. I played under Chris in the Surrey Championship for both Cobham and the Met Police, one thing he was always able to do was combine game time for each player yet still remain competitive throughout every match over the course of the season.
I have adopted the same philosophy at Effingham since I became Club and 1XI captain back in 2011 and the club is seeing the benefit now with the club in its strongest position for many years – a huge amount of this comes from the trust and belief we have placed in the junior section of the club.
I promised myself that if I ever got to influence the culture of a club I would draw on these experiences. Some players are naturally gifted and will always be the headline act at a club and we should never forget or discourage their talents – conversely some need a prod in the right direction, an injection of self belief. At Effingham, we have room for both and the proof is in the pudding – we are able to put out competitive teams largely filled with players from our blossoming junior section who get to participate in matches, influence games and develop their skills- the results of the four senior teams shows our inclusive policy is working.
Adam Burlison
Club Captain
Paul Stroud
Chair
“Want to help out with running the club? There are lots of opportunities to get involved with varying levels of commitment, please do contact me if you would like to get involved, we need as many volunteers as possible.”
Volunteers
As a small local cricket club, ECC is reliant on the effort and time spent by its members to maintain its position as an important sporting element of the local community. From rolling the wicket and mowing the outfield through stocking the bar and preparing match teas, to arranging winter nets and the fixture list, all takes work and commitment.
We have an enthusiastic committee who do their best to ensure that things run smoothly both on and off the field, but in an environment where we are keen to grow the Club and improve its facilities for all members and visitors, it is very much a case of ‘many hands make light work’. So, if you have time on your hands or skills that could be put to good use for the benefit of the Club, its members and the local community, why not volunteer to help out? We are continually looking for assistance in all aspects of Club life to enhance the work that needs to be done on a day to day basis: whether it is coaching the junior section, painting the sightscreens, ordering BBQ food and gas, tweeting about Club events and on-field successes or simply helping out behind the bar on match days.
If you can spare some time in a fantastic cause please contact ECC Chair Paul Stroud. He will be delighted to discuss how you can help the Club and its members to improve both the quality of cricket played at The Calburn Cricket Field and the environment in which it is played and enjoyed.
And you may even have some fun in the process!
Fundraising
100 Club
The focus of the ECC Committee on Fundraising is a direct result of the Club Survey undertaken at the end of 2015, where the membership voted to replace the current pavilion. Whilst we are also investigating other avenues of finance in the form of local and national grant aid,we recognise the fact that self help in the form of fundraising is the order of the day.
The 100 club was seen as the initial method to help raise those much needed funds.It gives everyone the chance to win one of three cash prizes each month for the small outlay of £2 per number. That small outlay, when multiplied by 100 (or more) helps the club get regular income. We have now seen the initial interest in the 100 club rise, so much so that it is now the 200 club!Many thanks to Ray Pritchard, our President, for his work in getting the draw up and running and for chasing people up to give them the opportunity to join.
If you would like to buy a number or numbers in the 100 Club, for a small monthly outlay, please contact Paul Stroud, Chairman, ECC on [email protected]
Club Nights
Our Friday evening club nights have greatly evolved, thanks largely to the influx of enthusiastic 5-8 year olds who train at the club between 5:30pm – 6:30pm. Of course, they don’t see it as training, as such, but a fun place to run around with their friends, throwing, catching and hitting tennis balls. Mike Hulton has grown the group so that they cover the whole outfield in smaller groups concentrating on cricket skills and fun. They are very lucky to have the assistance of Club Ambassadors, who are using their knowledge to mentor the younger ones.
Meanwhile, their parents are relaxing on the patio with a cold drink and a chat with friends. The club BBQ has done sterling work, ably manned by club members for club members. Many thanks to Conisbee butchers for a regular supply of burgers and sausages throughout the season. At 6:30pm, the little ones finish (and rush to the BBQ) and the older age groups take over training until 8pm, coached by Level 2 coaches and assisted by other parents.
A good time is had by all late into the evening!
