Sykes takes on his dream job

Press Releasein Cricket

Pete Sykes is well aware he has his hands full as he starts his new job as the Wiltshire Cricket Board's cricket development manager.

"I'm responsible for everything to do with Wiltshire cricket," said the 24-year-old Chippenham 2nd XI captain, summing up the complexities of his new role in a reassuringly simple sentence.

But as you would expect from a role that attracted international interest following the departure of Steve Silk in December, the reality is somewhat different.

Sykes' remit is to maximise the opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in cricket in Wiltshire, to improve the facilities they use and to oversee the nurturing of potential stars.

And the former Sheldon School, Chippenham, pupil knows he has big boots to fill following the departure of Silk, who he worked with as cricket development officer for two years.

He said: "Steve did a fantastic job. He came in a couple of years ago and really enthused people throughout the county.

"He was a very popular person and I've got to carry it on and deliver the projects he was planning before he left. I'm absolutely loving it, it's a dream job for me.

"I've worked for Wiltshire Cricket for the last two years, I've built up relationships with people throughout the county and it seemed a really good time to come in."

Sykes will oversee a number of schemes in his new role, including the Emerging Player programme, which aims to get young cricketers into the teams of first class counties.

He is also responsible for Chance to Shine, a programme which gives coaching to primary and secondary school pupils and provides them with equipment.

He will organise courses for aspiring coaches, umpires and groundsmen, attempt to improve links between schools and clubs, and help those clubs gain funding for development projects.

See rest of article on the following link:- Source Wiltshire.co.uk

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