Three Berkshire coaches honoured in annual English Cricket Board awards

Asif Iqbal Asad Ali of Slough CC. Credit: Slough CC

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Three local cricket coaches have been recognised for their tireless contribution to the success of their club in this month’s English Cricket Board (ECB) Coach of the Year awards.

Across the country 117 individuals have been put forward for the honour with Berkshire County Cricket selecting coaches from Sonning CC, Slough CC and Wraysbury CC in East Berkshire.

Berkshire's young coach of the year award went to Michael Longridge of Sonning for his impressive work with the women's and junior sections of the club.

In a statement, Berkshire CCC said: “Michael is purely a volunteer and even with his exams, revision etc over the past few years, he has still supported us with our coaching. I would like to hold Michael up as a real demonstration of a young coach who is there for the teams, celebrating the success, working on what can be learned”.

The county's coach of the year went to Asif Iqbal Asad Ali of Slough CC, an individual who 'went the extra mile and is a true hero at their retrospective club and community'. He has helped revolutionise the club's approach to junior cricket.

“With a focus on both individual skill development and team strategy, Asif has helped create a well-rounded team that excels in all department of the game,” the statement continued.

“Under Asif’s leadership, our Girls and Boys section has seen consistent improvement, with players becoming more technically sound and tactically intelligent.

“We have Received overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents regarding the quality and impact of his training sessions.”

Finally, Iffy Wain of Wraysbury CC, a player and coach most players in the Thames Valley will be familiar with, won the outstanding contribution award, recognising his efforts and services to cricket over many years.

“Iffy is the literal heart and soul of Wraysbury Cricket Club,” the Berkshire statement said.

“Every Colts parent, even those from all the opposition, know Iffy for his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game of cricket.

“In addition to that, there is hardly a player in the Thames Valley League that doesn’t know Iffy, he is always either playing, coaching, watching or merely scouting for talent.

“Iffy has engendered a love for the sport of cricket and outdoor life in general. At a time when we compete with machines to keep our children entertained, Iffy is a beacon of light that gets children away from their screens and in to sport. We are very blessed and honoured to have such a great club man in our ranks.”