HOOPS AND HEROES ‐ THE FUTURE OF THE GAME
By Andy Dalby Welsh Chief Execu0ve Officer, Croquet England
I am proud and excited to have been appointed the Chief Execu7ve of Croquet England, the na7onal governing body that oversees a game so steeped in history. Croquet is a sport that I had enjoyed playing in my garden as a child, at my grandparents with my extended family, and most recently at a family wedding. It is a sport that has the ability to draw people together from different backgrounds, different genera7ons and with different aspira7ons in the game, all having equal importance. As a casual Croquet player, I have been both heartened and grateful for the welcome I have received from the Croquet family. It is already clear to me that the game cannot be played without the Hoops or the Heroes. The hoops are obvious, but the heroes less so. Sport could not develop or thrive without its volunteers. For decades, commi8ed volunteers, “the heroes” of Croquet, have ensured the game has developed, compe77ons have been organised and officiated at, and our most talented players have benefi8ed from compe7ng on the world stage. The heroes in the sport do so much, whether introducing new players to the game with a warm welcome and poin7ng them in the direc7on of their first hoop; tending the lawns, held so dear by players; making the teas for tournament days; refereeing a tournament to ensure it can go ahead; and much more. I enjoyed a8ending the European GC Club League in Southwick, only just over a mile from my house. When I heard of a Croquet facility at the rear of a friend’s back garden, li8le did I know that one of Croquet’s gems was hidden around the corner. Again, it was volunteers who put in the huge effort that enabled this compe77on to take place, and which en7ced players from across the con7nent to come and compete in sunny Sussex. At a na7onal level, as with many chari7es, we boast a highly skilled board of Trustees. Our Trustees are commi8ed to developing the game of Croquet and leading the organisa7on to transform the sport for the future. Croquet England also has a dedicated Execu7ve commi8ee and a host of standing commi8ees dealing with everything from tournaments to IT. This is not that unusual in organisa7ons, but it is unusual for all apart from me to be volunteering their 7me for the good of the game and on behalf of those who can benefit from it. This year’s Annual General Mee7ng provided the opportunity to celebrate some of the sport’s heroes with the presenta7on of Diplomas, of which there were many. Clubs around the country put forward those who have gone above and beyond to support the growth of Croquet in their club or region.
Andy Dalby‐Welsh, mallet and ball in hand
But are we doing enough to recruit, train, and retain these heroes of our game? Are we saying thank you to those who give up their 7me to grow the opportuni7es for others? And are we crea7ng the fun environment enabling us to recruit, train and retain the heroes of tomorrow? I know Croquet is a great game. I know Croquet has the poten7al to improve the lives of many and I know Croquet has many heroes commi8ed to the growth and development of the sport. I urge you to remember that a small thank you can make a huge difference to someone who is volunteering and working to improve the game for others. We are a small family, and I believe those heroes of the game need suppor7ng, nurturing and celebra7ng if we are to become a bigger family! I look forward to building on the conversa7ons I have had so far, listening, learning and then outlining a future direc7on that will enable the sport to grow. Let’s work together to ensure we can create brilliant and fun experiences around the hoops of our game that will a8ract and inspire not only the player but the heroes of the future!
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 4
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