9th March 2021
| Mallory Gray
Cricket Wales are delighted to introduce a number of bursary schemes, to reinforce our strong commitment to assisting our promising regional players in their endeavours.
The bursaries have been been assembled through a combination of previously unused reserves from dissolved regions, and direct Cricket Wales funding. Many key stalwarts and role models over the years from the regional game have been recognised for their substantial commitment to ensuring this aspect of the national pathway remains an exciting, and enjoyable opportunity that is accessible for all. Head of Talent Pathway Matt Thompson said, "it's great news that we can announce the introduction of these schemes. We all know the financial commitment that's involved in pathway sport and parents do an amazing job to facilitate the experience for their children. If there's just a small amount we can do as an organisation to help then we will, and this is most certainly one way to do it. It's also really important to us that our current youngsters know and understand what they are part of, and the people that have been before them to provide their opportunities today - we are proud to honour just some of the many people behind the scenes over the years through the schemes."
To find out more on the bursaries themselves have a look at the people they're named after below and click here to access the bursaries page.
1) The Ted Tipper Bursary
A prominent figure across cricket in Gwent for over 35 years Ted has steered Gwent Cricket, and its association of coaches with a tremendous degree of dedication, thoroughness and professionalism. Many generations of cricketers have past by under Ted’s watch, with an impressive number going on to represent Wales at junior level and beyond. Gwent have long been considered as one of the strongest, most competitive regions during the previous structure and much of this is down to Ted’s efforts. He has constantly challenged Cricket Wales and other regions to maximise the benefits that regional cricket has to offer and should rightly be proud of the fantastic experience so many people have experienced during his time in charge.
2) The Kiran Carlson Bursary
Any young, aspiring cricketer from the Cardiff area looking for a role model to relate to need look no further than 22 year old Carlson. Kiran came up through the old Cardiff & Vale ranks as a junior before graduating onto the Glamorgan Academy. His transition into professional cricket was seamless as he announced himself (aged 18) with 5-28 on debut against Northamptonshire. A fortnight later Carlson become Glamorgan’s youngest ever centurion in first class cricket and has featured regularly for Glamorgan across all formats since. Kiran still represents his boyhood club Cardiff when available and has been all too willing to support the pathway he came through over the last few years.
3) The Neil Williams Bursary
Neil has been involved with cricket for a number of years in North Wales. Through his time coaching across North & Mid Wales, Neil epitomises those invaluable people across recreational cricket that go above and beyond expectations time and time again. It is absolutely fair to say cricket in the region would be a lot worse off without his significant contribution and coaches, players and parents over the year are a lot richer for his efforts and sacrifices. Neil still plays his cricket at Pwllheli and has represented Wales Over 50s in Sri Lanka and Australia in recent times.
4) The Ray Kane Bursary
Ray has been synonymous with cricket in Pembrokeshire for many years as a fine player, high quality coach, respected umpire, administrator and an all round great guy. He is rightly held in high regard by the cricket fraternity in Pembrokeshire and beyond for his lifetime dedication to the sport. In 1981 Ray was one of the founding members of the Pembrokeshire Association of Cricket Coaches (PACC). For many years PACC led the way in Wales delivering player and coach development with Ray at the forefront. Generations of cricketers and coaches benefitted from his tireless work. With the regional structure now in a new direction it is fitting that Ray’s contribution to the region is recognised in supporting young cricketers.
5) The Mike Lloyd Bursary
A stalwart of Llangennech CC, Mike made his debut in 1974 and continues to play at the age of 61, during which time he has broken just about every club record there is! For over 20 years, he has been a passionate Junior Organiser overseeing the development of other coaches and teams at all age groups. This has meant that several hundred youngsters came under his wing, and are a testament to this day of his boundless enthusiasm, energy and encouragement and never forgetting that the main purpose was to enjoy themselves by participating and fulfilling their potential. A recipient of the Cricket Wales Lifetime Achievement award, the bursary scheme will ensure Mike’s name is associated with the very things he stands for.
6) The Trevor Jones Bursary
Trevor was one of the most familiar faces in South Wales cricket for decades. He acted as treasurer for West Glamorgan Junior Cricket and was an official for a variety of associations and leagues across Wales including representing Wales Association of Cricket Officials at Lords. “Trev” is probably best known to most in Welsh cricket as an umpire in the South Wales Cricket Association. He could also be found umpiring most evenings at various midweek leagues, South Wales Junior League matches and would regularly give up his time to umpire junior representative fixtures.
Not many cricketers across South Wales would have come through the system and not been umpired by Trevor. Trevor would always refuse payment for umpiring in junior matches preferring the money to “go back into junior cricket”. A glass of wine or a pint after the game as a thank you was all he needed.
Trevor passed away in 2017 leaving a legacy as an administrator, umpire and one of Welsh crickets larger than life characters. He would be proud that this bursary means young cricketers in the region will continue to be supported in his name.