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.’