Coaches in awards focus
Three coaches received awards at the annual Presentation Night at the Albright Hussey Hotel – with former Worcestershire seamer Paul Pridgeon receiving an award for his outstanding contribution to the game.
The awards were introduced by Cricket Shropshire’s Pathway and Coaching Manager Ed Ashlin and Regional Development Manager Darrell Corfield.
Coach of the Year – Tom Marsh (Allscott Heath CC)
Ed said: “Tom has been described as ‘going above and beyond’ for all of the juniors at their club. He is always ensuring training and matches go on throughout the Summer and the Winter. A dedicated coach with a passion for development, Tom really does everything in his power to get the game on!”
Young Coach of the Year – Kate Brazier (Ludlow CC)
Ed said: “Kate is a dedicated and versatile coach at her club, capable of coaching various age groups from Under 9s to Under 15s. She leads the girls’ hardball squad, providing extra training sessions and integrating them into mixed training. She also led the winter training program and is always ready to assist wherever needed.
“Her commitment and inspirational presence greatly benefit both the female members and the entire club. By providing focused coaching and creating a supportive environment, she has inspired the girls and fostered their growth as cricketers.
“Her efforts have made them an inspirational figure within the squad and the club as a whole.”
Outstanding Contribution – Services to Coaching – Paul Pridgeon
Ed said: “Paul had a hugely successful professional career taking over 500 first class wickets.
“Following his retirement, he took his passion for coaching further and most prominently was Head of Cricket at Shrewsbury School and co-ran the Worcestershire CCC Satellite academy which is now the Shropshire EPP Programme.
“Paul has been instrumental in identifying and developing players from within Shropshire to take their cricket to the next level.
“He has overseen the transition of many players from Shropshire to Worcestershire, many of whom have gone on to have outstanding professional careers.
“Examples include Ed Barnard, James Taylor, Joe Leach, Joe Clarke and Dillon Pennington and more recently Mitchell Stanley, Harry Darley and Jack Home.”
If anyone would like a high-resolution digital version of any of these pictures, we can supply them for £5, half of which will be donated to the chosen charity of the evening MIND. If you wish to order three pictures it will be £10, five for £15 or 10 for £20. Please email info@cricketshropshire.co.uk