Gareth Davis is Head of Region (South) for the Yorkshire Cricket Board. He tells unLTD why the Sheffield City Region is cricket mad and how businesses can get involved with their local club:
I was inspired to do what I do by …
growing up in the game of cricket and with my family being involved it has given me so much and taken me to so many unbelievable places, I want go give back as much as I can to the sport.
My favourite thing about my job is …
seeing children in schools and clubs loving the game, having fun and inspiring the next generation. I wish I had an endless pot of funding for clubs as seeing the impact a new or upgraded pavilion, off field practice nets or a new non turf pitch, the lift this gives the club is amazing and if I am to provide this or drive this it makes my day!
The three words that best describe what I do are …
inspire, develop, progress!
Sheffield City Region is a great place for sport because …
there is huge passion within this city, they love the sport and competitions, we see that across all sports! Yorkshire cricket was born in Sheffield at Bramall Lane, so there is cricket heritage in the area and the clubs are strong.
Sheffield City Region is a great place for businesses to be involved in sport because …
the sheer number of junior, seniors, men, women, teams, clubs, disability cricket, and women’s sections we produce, drive and develop provides business with access to high volumes of participation and opportunity to support and promote their business and products.
The best advice I ever got was …
on your way up in the world, remember and be kind to the people you pass, as if you fail, they will be will there waiting on the way back down.
The worst advice I ever got was …
I’ve been fortunate really, I try and take the positives from everything, even bad advice can be used as a learning curve. Then say to myself “I won’t do that again”.
The organisations that have supported me and my business include …
Yorkshire Sport Foundation, Sheffield City Council, School Games Organisers and School Sports Partnership, SUFC, SWFC, & most importantly the cricket clubs and leagues in the area helping drive cricket in Sheffield and the city region.
The main challenges facing my industry/sector are …
income generation, fund raising and funding for clubs to improve facilities to ensure every experience at each club for children, families, players and spectators are that or a warm and family friendly environment. We need the support and backing of communities and local businesses to drive the club forward as most cricket clubs are at the heat of the community.
In 5 years’ time I expect my business to …
be offering cricket products for all! With accessible and high-quality facilities for everyone to enjoy their cricketing experiences.
For businesses looking to get involved in local cricket contact Gareth on g.davis@yorkshirecb.com
