Welcome to the 2013 US cricket season. As I come toward the end of my first week with USACA, I want to introduce myself to all of you and to update you on some of my activities.
Thanks to those of you who have already been in contact with me for your good wishes. I have received many calls and e-mails with warm welcomes and best wishes from clubs, leagues and regions all over the country and I sincerely thank you for taking the time to make me feel welcome.
My first week of introductions and meetings are giving me a flavor for the key issues and challenges and are helping me gain an appreciation and perspective on USACA. I have been fortunate to watch some of the Senior Men’s cricket last weekend in south Florida and I am most impressed with the level of organization and the standard of play. Some of our national players were in action and there is no doubt that there is some real talent in US cricket!
There is a terrific level of enthusiasm and commitment from everyone and a desire to develop cricket to a high standard and to evolve the role of clubs and leagues. I have been involved in cricket as a player, a volunteer and as an administrator for many years and in my experience, finding people that genuinely have the best interests of the sport at heart can be a challenge. To date, those that I have met and spoken with are genuine in their desire to improve the game and in my experience, that is half the battle.
Over the next month, I intend to meet and speak with as many stakeholders as possible in the various regions and to continue to gain an understanding of the issues facing the development of cricket and to determine strategies to assist. The USACA Board and I will work together to develop a comprehensive strategic plan and we’ll be seeking your input in its development.
Although very new in the role, the commitment I can make to you is that the team at USACA is here to develop the sport of cricket for all Americans and to ensure that we leave a robust legacy for future generations. The potential for the sport in this country is enormous and to harness that potential, all must work co-operatively and in unison.
I wish you well for the 2013 season and look forward to working with you.
Darren Beazley
Chief Executive Officer