Berkshire Cricket Foundation

Two Berkshire Coaches have been recognised in the annual ECB Coach Awards for their contribution to cricket coaching in Berkshire. The annual ECB Coach Awards are an opportunity to recognise and reward coaches within your community, club, school or county.

Khalid (Bobby) Zafar of Sonning CC was awarded the Outstanding Contribution/Services to coaching prize for the county

These were some of the reasons Bobby was nominated and won the award . . .

"Whilst Bobby's day job is a cricket Coach with his own business he had built up, he is very generous with his time for local cricket. Not only coaching of children in voluntary roles but also his enthusiasm for developing coaches. He has given me the confidence to put my level 1 to good use and also helped me when I have had issues with the children and women, helping me with drills etc or coming along to training sessions and working with them on my behalf."

"A thoroughly genuinely nice guy, likes by everyone, approachable, extremely knowledgeable, generous and kind hearted. What you need in someone keen on developing the sport at community level.”

Ian Cousins of Sandhurst CC was awarded the Coach of the Year prize for Berkshire

These were some of the reasons that Ian was nominated by so many from Sandhurst CC . . .

“Ian has been a coach to my two boys for the last 3 years. He is a amazing supporter of all the youngsters in the all stars, U9 and U11 teams, giving up multiple days every week for coaching and games. He inspires, cheerleads and dries tears with equal dedication and is such amazing role model.”

“My 2 boys adore Ian! He is absolutely wonderful with the young talent and he has so much patience. He nurtures their ability and encourages them consistently. He has their respect (which is not easy with children of that age) and knows just what to say at the right time. He does this completely voluntarily and manages somehow to juggle the role around a job that requires travel. Despite this he has never missed a training session or match. He never appears stressed although I am sure he feels it at times. All this with no young children of his own. He has been a massive part of my boys falling in love with cricket. The club and the under 9's wouldn't be the same without him. Thanks Ian.”

“Ian is so committed to every member in his squad. He is kind, patient and his knowledge is incredible. He motivates and supports every young cricketer! Honoured that he has inspired my son so much that he aspires to play for England!”