This week (3-9th June) is National Volunteer Week and to celebrate, we’re highlighting some of the dedicated volunteers we have here at Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Heritage and Foundation.  

From community club activities to event support, meeting and greeting to undertaking research, there are many roles that suit everyone’s skills or interests. Volunteers are essential to ensuring community cricket, heritage and larger events can continue to thrive.  

Volunteering in sport is a great way to:  

  • Give back to the community 
  • Meet new people and make friends  
  • Gain valuable experience, confidence and acquire new skills.  

APPLY TO BE A YORKIE

APPLY TO JOIN THE HERITAGE VOLUNTEER TEAM 

We asked some of our Yorkshire Cricket Volunteers about their volunteer journeys. Here’s what they said:  

Bridget    

Volunteer Role: Yorkie   

How did you start out as a volunteer?   

I have always enjoyed helping in my local community. I first started volunteering in the world of sport on a water station at the London Marathon in the 1980s. Many years later I was a  Gamesmaker at the London Olympics which led to more opportunities to help at major sports events around the world. Every year I try to help at a new sport but always make sure I have time for cricket.   

Why did you choose YCCC to volunteer?    

For many years I was a cricket scorer and I have always enjoyed watching cricket at all levels. In 2017 I volunteered at the ICC World Cups and met someone who was a volunteer at YCCC. It sounded like a happy, welcoming, fun team so I applied and seven seasons later I still enjoy being part of the cricket community at Headingley.   

What is your favourite thing about volunteering?   

Helping others.  Making a positive difference to the community I am supporting.   

What has volunteering given you?   

Chance to work in a team of people who all want to help others.  Being active physically and mentally. Chance to give my time and to give something back to the sporting community.  

I just love being involved as there is always something going on, whatever the sport and whatever the weather! 

I guess I just like to be busy helping others as I think it helps me too!   

Bevan  

Volunteer Role:   Umpire in the indoor cricket league  

How did you start out as a volunteer?

Through my university course.  

Why did you choose YCCC to volunteer?

It’s a big NGB which gave me a lot of opportunities.  

What is your favourite thing about volunteering?

The sense of contributing to the community.  

What has volunteering given you?

It’s made me see that when it comes to sport age is just a number.  

Theo 

Which project you volunteer for? 

I volunteered in Collections Inventory, my hope when starting was that by volunteering I could gain valuable knowledge to help me get into heritage work. 

Why do you volunteer and what have you gained from your time with us? 

Through working with the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, I’ve been given the chance to work with hands-on with a lot of different objects. From learning how to handle fragile pieces to understanding the collections database, its safe to say I’ve learnt lots! 

Have you had a favourite object/new fact discovered/moment with museum visitors etc (dependent on your project!) 

My favourite piece I was able to see was the photo from the friendly game between the Leeds Cricket team vs The Vatican’s cricket team. It was honestly a shock and sent me down a rabbit hole trying to find out as much as I could about the game. Still now its an incredible reminder of the relationships and stories inside a single item. 

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 24/04/2024 – Cricket – Yorkshire County Cricket Club – Women’s Exhibition Launch – Headingley Cricket Ground, Leeds, England –

Elaine 

Which project you volunteer for? 

Collections Inventory and Museum Welcome Team. 

Why do you volunteer and what have you gained from your time with us? 

I joined the Inventory with no knowledge but now having some understanding the Inventory and Digitalisation is a huge ongoing task, logging all items so the Collection can be fully appreciated.  To take care of all objects gifted by the Cricketers themselves or their families knowing they are looked after.  Charlotte’s knowledge, training and understanding gives volunteers a chance to take part. 

During home games the Museum Welcome Team is a great way to introduce everyone who visits the Ground about Yorkshire Cricket and the Foundation, hopefully leaving with some interesting facts and a friendly chat. 

Have you had a favourite object/new fact discovered/moment with museum visitors etc… 

Whilst I have not been helping with the Inventory long, it is amazing just how many different objects there are.   

A jacket worn by Ray Illingworth with a special note and signature from him will be cared for and appreciated for many years to come. 

Ssu

Which project you volunteer for? 

I am doing the interpretative research project. 

Why do you volunteer? 

I am studying an MA programme in art gallery and museum studies. 

I would like to know how the museum deals with its collections and runs the museum. 

What have you gained from your time with us? 

I appreciate the opportunity that the Yorkshire Cricket Museum provided. I can see how the museum deals with its collection, from the collection photography to inserting the images into Excel and recording their details, for example, the label and status. I also have a precious chance to see the objects closely and research the related stories and information behind them. 

Have you had a favourite object/new fact discovered/moment with museum visitors etc (dependent on your project!) 

I love the collection of paintings painted by Peter Watson. His paintings exhibit a vibrant, colourful character. Through his paintings, we can see the glory of the game and the records of early cricket matches. Moreover, Peter is an Englishman, and his artworks show that as an Englishman, the country where he grew up has a popular sport, namely cricket. 

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our dedicated volunteers across Yorkshire Cricket for giving whatever time they can and making a difference.  

If you’d like more information on volunteering with Yorkshire County Cricket Club, please email: [email protected] 

If you’d like to become a Yorkie to volunteer at various cricket events throughout the Summer, please click to see more about the opportunities available: 

APPLY TO BE A YORKIE

If you’re interested in the history of cricket in Yorkshire, are wanting to gain some museum experience in behind-the-scenes collection care, take part in our research projects, or join our passionate museum welcome team, don’t hesitate to apply today! 

APPLY TO JOIN THE HERITAGE VOLUNTEER TEAM 

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