The LCA onwards and upwards

2009 has seen cricket in Lanzarote continue to develop. We have seen a steady increase in the number of people who, not only are aware of cricket on the island, but also regularly come and support it. There has been a marked increase in the number of young people who play cricket not only for the Colts but also in a number of our member clubs. For the first time we were able to offer umpire and coaching courses developing cricketing skills and knowledge throughout the clubs. All of these points are defined in our Mission Statement as primary objectives and again for the 5th consecutive season we have been able to promote and develop cricket throughout Lanzarote.
With the help of funds from Cricket Espana we have been able to improve the practice conditions for all the LCA clubs as well as playing conditions for official league matches on one of the grounds. It should be noted that CE have now got regional association around Spain and it was Lanzarote which they used as a model, Phil Beal explained,
We live in a large country, and this brings logistical problems. To this end Cricket España have looked to regionalise cricket in the same framework that was used in Lanzarote. Each region will be encouraged to create their own association, with a committee that has been voted for by the members within their region.
These committees, working with their member clubs, can therefore take responsibility for cricket within their region. Cricket España's relationship with these regional associations will be similar to their relationship with ICC Europe. ICC Europe give member countries a set of guidelines, membership criteria to comply with, and financial support, along with various other resources and advice where needed.
Ultimately, ICC Europe know that Cricket España and its members know what is best for the development of cricket in Spain. Likewise, Cricket España trusts that each regional association understands what does and doesn't work within their region.
This developing regional governance, will allow Cricket España to focus more on areas that will greatly aid the pathway to take Spanish cricket and ultimately Lanzarote cricket to the next level.
For this coming year CE have promised us 1000 euros of funding as well as continuing development of our coaches and umpires. This funding could have been a lot more even though it is the largest amount given to club/clubs for this year in the CE. The reason for this is that Spain has become an Associate sized cricketing country, and should have got membership of the ICC but failed on one criteria point (not being ranked in the top three senior teams in Europe) Which prevented them from making a full application to the ICC to become a full Associate member.
This would have meant a substantial increase in funding, which, could only lead to a strong and bright future for Spanish cricket. They are fully confident that a full application will be able to be submitted at the end of 2010.
The Government Liaison Officer continues to work hard with the application to the CSD(Spanish Sports Ministry) to get cricket recognised as a sport here in Spain, and ultimately federated. Again this will bring more funding and hopefully take us closer to our biggest goal, to have more Spanish participation in our great game.
Cricket has also made progress in becoming an Olympic sport again. This will also be one of CE’s main priorities for 2010, developing a strong relationship with the IOC here in Spain. This also could lead to more assistance and funding for cricket here in Spain.
The LCA should now be looking forward to 2010 trying to improve in areas where needed and push forward in areas of success. We must all understand that together we are making big strides as a cricketing association within a cricketing nation that is well respected around Europe and beyond.
This has been achieved with a fraction of the funding similar sized cricketing areas have received over the last 5 years, which shows the passion and commitment that we have here in Lanzarote for cricket.
Big changes are just around the corner for Spanish cricket, and the benefits of these will be there for everyone to enjoy. For these changes to come to fruition, we need all LCA members to continue to give not only our Association but also Cricket España their support, remain patient and continue to spread the word. Above all else do not forget to enjoy your cricket.