Three coaches across Surrey have recently been recognised at the ECB Coach Awards 2023. These awards recognise outstanding coaches across a number of categories and are a way to say thank you to those dedicated to supporting players and developing the game.
Mark Pratt, a coach at Old Wimbledonians CC, has been recognised under the Coach of the Year category award. He was nominated by Matthew Irvine, who said that he has “transformed the quality of coaching and massively expanded the number of young cricketers at our club.” Mark was praised for his work with girls’ cricket, where he has built a successful section from scratch that now has over 60 players, and for his efforts in establishing an academy group of over 25 players between ages 15 to 19.
Shabir Stanikzai, a coach at Dulwich CC, has been highlighted under the Young Coach of the Year category for 2023. Shabir, a young refugee cricketer himself, began coaching after qualifying earlier in the year.
He has been praised for his work to support and develop the Snow Leopards Refugee Cricket Project, and his commitment to developing the game at grassroots level. Assan Crawford-Khan, who nominated Shabir, says “Shabir has become one of the well-known young coaches at our club and is liked by young players and parents alike.”
Mike White, a coach at Bagshot CC, was recognised within the Outstanding Contribution – Services to Coaching award for 2023. His nominator, Ally Edwards, highlights that Mike has dedicated himself to coaching and making a difference to the players at Bagshot CC, creating numerous opportunities for players, and helping to increase participation. Ally explains “without Mike the Colts section wouldn’t exist. He made it what it is and continues to do so every week.” Mike was also praised for his work during the pandemic, as he continued to coach players even when he was working long hours as a police officer.
Thank you to all those who took time to nominate coaches from across Surrey, and our congratulations go to the coaches who have been recognised in this year’s awards.
