2021 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET CLUB 2021 ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 14 became the first in which Notting- hamshire County Cricket Club held responsibility for the game at all levels across our county having completed a merger with our recreational Board. Our objective within our communi- ties is to inspire people into picking up a bat and ball, or contributing to the game as a volunteer. From ensuring that our initiatives resonate in parts of the county not blessed with the same historic con- nection to cricket as our immediate surrounding area, to providing current and prospective cricketers in the city centre with grounds on which to play, many of the challenges we face will take years to be fully overcome – but to do so will remain our ambition. From ethnically diverse communities in some parts of the city to areas of economic deprivation in the north; and from those living with disabilities to women and girls from the length of breadth of Nottinghamshire, it is our responsibility in the years ahead to ensure that there are no barriers that prevent their cricketing ambi- tions from being realised. Along with our greatly valued volunteers, led by the Recreational Cricket Advisory Group, we are working to find the right locations, formats and initiatives for them all – as well as making an educational and participative difference via the outreach programmes continuing to be delivered with diligence and dedication by our charity arm, the Trent Bridge Community Trust. How we perform on the field is an important factor in how we can inspire the next generation to choose cricket. Significant steps were made in 2021 in that regard, particularly in First-Class cricket.The County Championship is hugely important to everyone connected with our club and matches at Trent Bridge during our ascent to third position in the table generated just shy of 900,000 views on our live stream last season. Witnessing our homegrown trio of Lyndon James, Joey Evison and Liam Patterson-White contributing to a successful Nottinghamshire side is, meanwhile, sure to have provided inspiration to many an aspiring young player who can identify with their routes into the First-Class game. Equally the impact of Fateh Singh and Sammy King, in making their first-team debuts and earning professional contracts, shouldn’t be underestimated. We had hoped that the proposal for another conference-style County Championship this year, with the finishing positions to determine the divisional structure for 2023, would gain sufficient support among our fellow First-Class counties. However, that was not the outcome of the vote in October and the result is that we will play our cricket in the second division next summer. This is, of course, disappointing, but it in no way takes away from the achievements of our squad over the past two years. Securing promotion is now a key focus as preparations for the new season continue in earnest. Meanwhile, the platform provided for female participation byThe Hundred was and will continue to be significant, as increasing numbers of girls become inspired by what can be watched, simulated and ultimately achieved within our sport. With accessible pricing, prime time slots on terrestrial TV and with the game surrounded by a well-resourced central package of entertainment, the tournament’s popularity surpassed expectations in its inaugural year. Almost 57% of those who purchased tickets had never previously done so for a game at our venue and it was also the club’s biggest new income generator. Ensuring that it continues to flourish in tandem with the more traditional and established forms of the game at Trent Bridge will remain a significant priority for us in 2022. If our game is to widen its appeal, it is critical that lessons are learned and that – where necessary – change is implemented across the country on the back of the intense spotlight that was placed upon our game dur- ing the latter part of 2021 in relation to equity, diversity and inclusion. We are determined that the people of our county – regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, geographical location or financial situation – can all feel welcome and a part of our game; be it as players, members, spectators, staff or volunteers. The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket has captured information regarding the lived experiences of many individuals and will spend the next few months eval- uating the current state of equity in cricket in the UK; identifying where discrimination and inequity exist and providing guidance on action required within the game. Embracing its recommendations and taking appropriate action – in addition to ensuring compliance with all aspects of the game’s five- point pledge to create a culture that eliminates discrimination – is an integral workstream for everybody involved in our sport in 2022. In summary, as we reflect upon the quantum of what our club was able to achieve in 2021 and retain our ambitions for the future on and off the field, a recurring theme is our ongoing gratitude for the continuing and important roles played by our members, supporters, commercial partners, local authorities, volunteers and staff. For everyone that offers their support – be it by joining our club, attending our venue, becoming a commercial partner or volunteering to support the recreational game – they are each delivering a valuable contribution to the overall mission of inspiring the county of Nottingham- shire through cricket. Whilst we can be proud of our progress in 2021, nobody is under any illusions – we still have a long way to go. With that in mind, the ongoing support of you, our members, remains critical, and has never been appreciated more.