Essex Cricket were among the winners at this year’s ECB Business of Cricket Awards, scooping the Community Engagement Campaign of the Year Award.
This recognition was earned for the outstanding efforts in hosting the Ireland versus Bangladesh One Day International series, which showcased a remarkable commitment to engaging with the local Bangladeshi and Muslim communities.
Through the fantastic support of the local community and partnerships with organisations such as the Chelmsford Muslim Society, Essex Cricket adopted an innovative and inclusive approach to community engagement during this landmark event for the county. The Club demonstrated a deep understanding of the diverse community it serves and leveraged this understanding to create a truly immersive experience for fans and residents.
The Club reached out to the local Bangladeshi and Muslim communities, fostering a strong sense of inclusion and cultural representation ahead of the series. A wide range of activities and events were organised to celebrate the rich heritage of these communities, such as traditional food stalls and music performances.
To ensure that everyone could participate in the events, the Club proactively aimed to make the fixtures as accessible as possible for every spectator attending, including prayer sessions, diverse food and drink choices and cultural sensitivity training for staff.
The Club’s commitment to grassroots development was a focus throughout the series, as local schools, clubs and community groups were actively part of the match day experience through activations, such as guard of honours, entertainment and opportunities for local players to be net bowlers for both sides.
Essex Cricket Chief Executive, John Stephenson, said: “We are honoured to have won the Community Award at this year’s Business of Cricket Awards and it’s a fantastic achievement for the Club.
“This recognition is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. We are proud of our role in bringing diverse communities together through the love of cricket.”
“This campaign was made possible through the dedicated efforts and hard work of everyone at Essex Cricket and the enthusiastic support of the local community.
“It exemplifies the Club’s commitment to embracing diversity and special thanks to Cricket Ireland and the many individuals within our local community who played their part in creating something special over the three fixtures.”
