Team Updates at Somerset Cricket Foundation

At Somerset Cricket Foundation (SCF), we’re sharing some important team updates. As we look ahead to the next chapter for the organisation, we’ll be saying goodbye to two valued colleagues who have each played a meaningful role in our journey, while also setting out a refreshed structure to support the future of our work across the county.

Matt Counsell – Clubs & Leagues Manager

Matt joined Somerset Cricket Board in 2009 following a university placement, delivering Chance to Shine coaching in schools and was named Chance to Shine Coach of the Year that very year – an early sign of his ability to inspire young people through cricket.

Over the years, Matt progressed through a number of roles before moving into the Clubs & Leagues team in 2016. In that time, he has become synonymous with club cricket in Somerset. His dedication extended far beyond just his role here, but at his own cricket club, Huntspill & District CC.

His impact has been vast – during the Covid-19 pandemic, Matt worked tirelessly to support clubs in securing nearly £3 million in emergency funding, he has overseen more than £2 million of investment into club facilities through ECB funding schemes and has led on ECB National Programmes locally, increasing participation year on year and supporting the development of more than 500 activators across the county.

Matt has been instrumental in rolling out ClubMark accreditation, support to our leagues in Somerset, developing clubs and their facilities, growing our Knockout Cup competitions and revitalising the County’s Grounds Association. He has developed our Knockout Cup competitions year on year and helped deliver memorable Finals Days at The Cooper Associates County Ground, including an Under-19 T20 final under lights in 2021. His knowledge has regularly been sought by the England and Wales Cricket Board, where he has contributed to national steering groups and programme development.

On behalf of the Foundation, I would like to thank Matt for his commitment, expertise and the enormous contribution he has made to the recreational game in Somerset across the last 16 years with us.

Lisa Burton – Digital Content, Marketing & Communications Executive

After two and a half years, Lisa Burton will also be leaving SCF. Lisa has transformed how we tell our story. She has led a full rebrand of the Foundation, bringing consistency, professionalism and creativity across print, digital and event branding. From our website maintenance to social media strategy, advertising, email marketing and major event presentation, her influence is visible throughout the organisation.

In just 2.5 years, Lisa’s organic content across Facebook and Instagram alone has generated over 3 million views, reached more than 1.2 million people and welcomed more than 6,000 new followers. Beyond the numbers, Lisa has helped SCF find a clear, confident voice.

She has strengthened our working relationship with the media team at Somerset County Cricket Club, supported clubs with their own media projects, enhanced Club communications and produced our annual Impact Report. She also delivered three Cricket Collective Awards evenings for over 500 volunteers – an event recognised as outstanding by the ECB staff – celebrating the people who give so much to the game.

Lisa’s energy, creativity and pride in the Foundation has been evident in everything she has done, and we thank her for raising the profile of SCF and the work we deliver.

Amanda Counsell – Deputy Safeguarding Lead

As part of the changes, Amanda Counsell’s role as Deputy Safeguarding Lead will transition to assisting the wider team with administrative tasks where needed.

Amanda has provided important safeguarding support to clubs and colleagues alongside our Safeguarding Manager across the last 13 years, helping to ensure that the environments in which we operate are safe, welcoming and inclusive. Safeguarding remains central to everything we do.

Her dedication to ensure that club cricket in Somerset continues to thrive cannot be understated, and we’re delighted that Amanda will continue to support the Foundation on a casual basis.

Looking Ahead – A New Structure

As we look to the future, we are introducing a refreshed team structure designed to provide clarity, focus and strengthened support for clubs and participation across Somerset.

Two roles will form the new Clubs and Leagues team –

Will Anning – Junior Clubs & Participation Officer will lead on Junior Clubs & Leagues, Festivals, Young Cricket Collectives and National Programmes.

Ben Osborne – Club Development & Facilities Officer, will lead on Facilities (County Grants and Grounds Association) Volunteer Workforce, Affiliations and Adult Cricket competitions and leagues.

Both will be familiar faces to the club cricket network. They will continue to work closely with clubs to grow participation, support volunteers and improve facilities throughout the county.

In addition Amber Casely will be available to support Women and Girls Cricket clubs, leagues and development opportunities working alongside Ben and Will.

We will also be recruiting a new part time Digital Content Officer to lead on social media and content creation, ensuring that we continue to champion recreational cricket and communicate effectively with players, volunteers and our communities.

I would like to thank Matt, Lisa and Amanda once again for their service and commitment, and I look forward to working with our team, partners and volunteers as we move into this next chapter together.

Maralyn Smith
Managing Director
Somerset Cricket Foundation