Yorkshire Schools' Cricket Association

Posted by Tony Hutton

I recently received some very sad news in the shape of a letter from this longstanding and much respected organisation entitled 'The End of an Era'. YSCA was founded as far back as 1923 and has a remarkable record of running age group cricket since that time which has produced many cricketers of note. They include many who had success not only with Yorkshire, England and other counties, but a vast army of league cricketers whose careers were nourished at this early age.

Under the new arrangements announced for the coming season all county and recreational cricket will come under the banner of 'Yorkshire Cricket', i.e. the county club, who will operated an 'Elite Junior Management Group'. The dedicated team of Managers, Coaches and Officials is being disbanded, although I understand that many of the coaches are being re-appointed under the new regime.

It remains to be seen how the new system will operate and whether they will be able to generate the same level of funding which enabled YSCA to produce such a wide ranging fixture programme at all age groups. One example of this was the proceeds of the second hand book stall at Headingley run by Geoff Holmes and Vivien Stone which has been a great source of support for YSCA over a long period of time. In addition many Yorkshire members and supporters made generous contribution to the association's funds.

Having known Chairman Bernard Knowles and Secretary Harold Galley for many years, I am well aware of the time and effort they have put into YSCA and remember with great affection meeting them both at Weymouth some years ago in the middle of an Under 15s tour of the south west, which was always such a great part of their programme. The list of Yorkshire cricketers who made their first steps on the ladder at places like Werrington in Cornwall and other such grounds in Devon and Dorset is endless.

Fortunately all is not bad news. The YSCA is an independent body and will continue to run the six inter school competitions which attract more entries that at any other county, as well as the long standing under 19 Festival at St. Peter's School, York, now in its 48th year. In addition they will be running a new five day festival at Ampleforth College for an under 16/17 squad which will mark a welcome return to that splendid venue.