A slightly belated Happy New Year to you all, and now that we have started 2024 lots of thoughts start turning towards the beginning of the new season.

I wanted to update you on a few things ahead of the season starting as there is lots going on around the club behind the scenes, to be ready in time.

Our Junior Boys and Girls have started their winter training programmes (some as far back as October) and with good attendance at these, supported by the full dedication of our parent / volunteer coaches. A big thanks to all of you involved in this programme which operates across multiple nights and multiple venues, to give all our youngsters the opportunity to keep developing their cricket in the off season.

We have also invested in a coaching programme for some of the older Junior players that aren’t in a Performance Pathway, to make sure they are also getting some quality training ahead of the season starting. As a club we will be prioritising the development of our own players through the Falkland pathway over the next few years as we look to be as competitive as possible on a Saturday. Our adult Winter programme will also start towards the end of February.

To support the top end of the club I am delighted to let you all know that Elliot Seddon will be returning to Falkland again for 2024, and we are in the process of also securing a further overseas player for both the Men’s and Women’s 1st XI, to add some depth on the playing and coaching side of the club.

We are really keen to improve the communication of all Falkland activity across the club and so are looking for someone to take on a communications role at the club so that all the great stories, events, results and activities are shared across all our social platforms. Anyone who has some knowledge and interest in social media and marketing – please get in touch with me (chairman@falklandcc.co.uk) as we have the perfect role for you!

A large focus of the Committees work over the last 9 months has been to ensure we have a sustainable approach to building the club over the next few years. Whilst we do have an amazing pavilion (and arguably one of the best grounds in the Country) we do still need to pay for a large part of this. We currently have debts of around £200k relating to the pavilion project, which with a payment plan in place we will aim to pay off over the next 10 years. However, the quicker we can clear this debt, will enable us to spend money on developing the club practice and playing facilities further and other elements of the club infrastructure and grounds.

Throughout 2024 there will be lots of events that Falkland will be hosting and we do need to take advantage of fundraising opportunities that go with these. But they all need club volunteers to help!

Starting on the 6th April we will have the annual workforce day where we get the club ready for action. Please put this in your diary as we need lots of hands to give Brownie all our support in getting both grounds fit for the season.

We also have some showcase games this Summer with the return of Berkshire Men and Women 1st XI’s, the Southern Vipers v South East Stars, and we will also play host to the West Indies U19 girls v Vipers Academy. Our annual fireworks spectacular, and biggest opportunity for fundraising, has also been confirmed for 5th November.

With lots to look forward to please come forward if you are able to help in any way that will keep the club moving forward.

Enjoy the winter training and I look forward to seeing all of you and your families over the next few months.
Best wishes,

Neil