Dave Cherry won the NatWest CricketForce OSCA on behalf of Denby Cricket Club at the national award ceremony for grassroots volunteers on Monday 9 October.
Among many worthy winners, Dave Cherry and Denby CC scooped one of the top prizes for a number of projects including turning the club’s scorebox into female changing rooms.
After picking up the award Dave said: “It’s something that we’ve done for number of years. We all come together and get things ready for the start of the new season. We had a lot of big jobs but were confident we could do them after the response we had from the members.
“Around 240 people turned up over the weekend and £20,000 worth of work was done at the cost of £2,500. It was a great community and club effort. It was brilliant to see the kids there, playing a game at the club and it was a fantastic weekend. It brought everybody together. You can’t put a figure to it.”
Volunteers of the grassroots game travelled from far and wide to Lord’s for a day recognising the hard work and dedication of all of those who help make sure that club cricket continues to thrive.
England stars Stuart Broad, Beth Langston and Eoin Morgan joined host Alison Mitchell in paying tribute and awarding the OSCAs at a packed nursery pavilion.
England ODI captain Morgan said: “Days like these are absolutely priceless. It’s a hugely special day for people being recognised for the work they’ve put in not only this year but their whole lives at their local club ground, it is absolutely phenomenal. Everyone here has a huge smile on their face.”
Speaking to the volunteers, he added: “You are a hugely significant part of the development of the game in this country. Pat yourself on the back for the work you are doing but please continue to do it. It’s sometimes unrecognised but you play a huge role in people’s lives. We play a fantastic game that develops characteristics that will help young people later on in life.”
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