You are probably already aware of the range of umpiring courses our Association delivers on behalf of GACO. Once again, we are offering an Introductory Training Course for young people aged 14-19.

We have had several younger people who have gone on to take Level 1 training and several of these have umpired junior matches when they are not playing - and they get paid for doing this!

We are also confident that this year the ECB will provide funding for umpire clothing for participants and we can offer them the chance to stand with a qualified umpire at the Under 10 District Festival at the end of July – with payment!

You will know best which youngsters at your club or school, male or female, might be right for this course. Perhaps as they get older there are fewer opportunities to keep playing as often as they’d like, or perhaps their skill levels as a player don’t match their keenness and enthusiasm. This is a great way to keep them involved in your club and in the game.

The course is during the Easter holidays at Dean Close School and a flyer for copying and posting is attached. It is on Friday April 6th. The cost is just £5 per head and I’m happy to receive advance block bookings from your club. I just need to know the participants’ names, either yours or the parent’s email contact and whether the club or the individual will be paying.

Gloucestershire is leading the way in getting more umpires trained and hopefully officiating. We hope you will do your bit to set some youngsters on that road and reap the rewards for your own club in having young people with a better understanding of the laws and the role of the umpire.

Please feel free to contact me for more information, questions and hopefully reservations!

Peter Sawyer

pwsawyer@btinternet.com