Cricket Club Issue 48 | Page 25

West of Scotland Premier Division and second place in the Sunday League. More important than this, the club has seen junior and senior member numbers swell dramatically, record numbers at training, the introduction of women’s cricket sessions and a successful season of All-Stars cricket for kids. The campaign is over now, but plans are already in place for a full winter training programme with a view to develop further in the 2019 summer.” Youth “West are lucky that senior players tend to ‘arrive’ at the club through our city centre location, social media presence, history and strong links with Glasgow University. However, junior cricket is crucial to the future of the club, and we are proud that half the members of the first and reserve teams are past juniors. The club has a strong policy of development into senior cricket as soon as possible. The club has a Development XI who prioritise picking young players in Sunday cricket. The side is led by two senior players who have made it their mission to bring through players by giving them as many opportunities as possible in a safe environment.” Community “West has officially achieved the status of a Community Amateur Sports Club, and in fact is positioned perfectly as a community club. It is in a good area for every strata of Glasgow society, situated between Partick, Dowanhill and Hyndland. The club has strong ties to local primary schools, the High School of Glasgow, Kelvinside Academy, The Western Baths Club and Glasgow University. Our club sponsor is a very supportive local business. The facility is regularly used by the community for group meetings and events. It is also the site of the first ever international football match, bringing many people in on a pilgrimage from around the world.” Challenges/Ambitions “Cricket is facing a huge challenge, cricket in Scotland even more so. The game is less attractive than it was in the past while Scotland are pushing to become a full member of the ICC with Test Match status. Meanwhile, the costs of running a cricket club are rising. West has to find a way to raise standards of play At Appletree Dental Care we will do all we can to help you get the treatment you want with the utmost care and attention and with fair and transparent dental prices. Cosmetic Dentistry • Clear Braces • Porcelain Veneers • Dental Implants • Porcelain Crowns • Teeth Whitening • Dental Bridges Invisalign braces from £1995 Tel: 0141 339 1961 Web: www.dentistglasgow.com Appletree Dental Care, 3 Crow Road, Glasgow, G11 7RT at the club to help the case for Scotland, while also growing membership and revenue to account for the increased costs. This is no easy challenge and will require new strategies. The club will grow numbers of happy junior and senior members, aim to remain profitable in a changing commercial landscape, and win cricket matches at the highest level. In many ways, these goals are linked together.” www.sportip.biz 25