The KNCB has won one of this year�s regional awards in the Pepsi ICC Development Programme Awards, taking the category of Best Junior Cricket Initiative for its KNCB Flamingo Indoor Cricket Programme.

A partnership between the Bond and the touring club De Flamingo�s � who have been the long-time organisers of a major outdoor youth tournament � the programme was introduced in the winter of 2009-10, and has been considerably expanded this year.

The award is a notable success for the KNCB Development Manager Marike Dickmann, whose role centres on youth development. The ICC Europe statement announcing the awards states that the indoor programme �has increased participation levels in junior cricket across all tournaments in Netherlands.�

Dickmann has argued that a successful winter programme is vital in maintaining children�s interest in the sport, and part of a campaign to reduce wastage rates as young players drop out of playing cricket in their mid-teens.

The 2010-11 tournament schedule involves more than 40 teams from fourteen clubs taking part in tournaments in under-10, under-11, under-13 and under-15 age groups.

KNCB chief executive Richard Cox said on Thursday that he was extremely pleased that the Bond�s efforts in this area had been recognised by the ICC.

� I�m particularly delighted for Marike Dickmann,� he said, �who puts tremendous energy into motivating the clubs and players and ensuring that the programme is a success.

�This is part of the KNCB�s developing strategy for expanding and strengthening youth cricket, which is crucial for the future of the game in the Netherlands. We are grateful to De Flamingo�s for their continuing support, which helps to make this ambitious programme possible.�