Welcome to the South Essex District Cricket Board’s new website, which was provided by Bronco Limited and went “live” on Thursday 1st April 2010.  The South Essex District Cricket Board (SEDCB) was formed in 1999 after the Essex County Cricket Board decided to reform the structure of recreational cricket within the county.  Previously, the district was served by the Thurrock & District Cricket Association and the South Essex Cricket Association.  These bodies were effectively merged into one.

The key objective of the SEDCB is to promote and encourage cricket at all levels in our area, with the support of a professional Cricket Development Officer provided by the Essex County Cricket Board.  Our area includes the whole of the political boundaries of Castle Point, Rochford, Southend and Thurrock districts, while most of Basildon district is included, apart from Billericay, which forms part of the Central Board area. 

The Board is run by a Management Committee all working voluntarily on behalf of its member clubs.   By far the biggest activity of the SEDCB surrounds youth cricket, as we manage District cricket at under 11, under 13 and under 15 age groups.  In addition, we organise a comprehensive and ever-growing youth league to cover the same age groups, while indoor youth cricket is played at Grays School during the Winter, also under our management, at U12, U14 and U16 level.  With effect from the 2010-2011 Winter season, indoor youth cricket is also being staged at St. Christopher’s School in Leigh on Sea.

In association with the Essex County Cricket Board, our member clubs and the SEDCB are also encouraging the development of Disability Cricket and cricket for Womens and Girls.   In respect of the latter, the SEDCB has recently received funding to the tune of £1,000 for women’s and girls cricket.

While much adult cricket is now organised by various leagues, we operate four adult indoor leagues during the Winter, two at Chase Leisure Centre, Westcliff, and two at the Gateway Academy in Tilbury.

The SEDCB also provides a link between our member clubs and the County Board and can involve any matter ranging from advising of available funding streams to seeking professional advice on the state of grounds and facilities.  Some clubs have private grounds whereas others use Council owned facilities.  The needs of clubs can, and does, vary considerably.

I would like to finish by thanking you for reading this brief introduction – please continue to enjoy the game of cricket whether by watching or participating.  May I take this opportunity of wishing all our member clubs a successful and enjoyable Season.

Paul Brice – Chairman, South Essex District Cricket Board