Cricket Scotland's development programme is best in Europe

ICC Europe has announced the European regional winners of the Pepsi ICC Development Programme Awards for 2010. And the headline award went to Cricket Scotland, for the 'Best Overall Cricket Development Programme'.

The citation said that Scotland's cricket infrastructure achieved a significant amount in 2010 throughout all aspects of the game - in junior cricket, women’s cricket, in new strategies and the creation of new pathways.

Steve Paige, Head of Community Development for Cricket Scotland, said: "This award is a tremendous endorsement of what we have been striving to achieve over the past few years. It also recognises the important value of the contributions volunteers play in developing cricket at grassroots level.

"Last year, we saw some fantastic achievements within our community programmes: 468 schools competed in our schools cups; we had 56 primary schools festivals; we educated more than 300 teachers in introductory programmes; 110 umpires attended introductory courses, with 58 taking Level 1 exams; we delivered courses to 134 PE students; and now we have over 450 active UKCC coaches.

"And our development team around the country have been doing a splendid job in growing the game and ensuring we have sustainable structures in the clubs, so they can support all the children and adults that want to play the game."

ICC Regional Development Manager Richard Holdsworth commented: "These very well deserved awards are in recognition of the great work which is ongoing in our Associate and Affiliate member countries; all involved should be very proud of themselves."

The Pepsi ICC Development Programme Annual Awards promote excellence in cricket development and recognise exceptional performance and service to the game in the ICC’s 95 Associate and Affiliate Member countries. Nominations were received from national bodies, clubs, associations, teams, schools and individuals. The European regional winners will now be put forward for the Global Pepsi ICC Development Programme Awards.