Durham County Cricket Club Commercial Director’s full statement

Durham County Cricket Club commercial director Scott Sherrard talks 21st anniversary; hosting an ashes test and raising the clubs profile.

“When Durham CCC first campaigned to become a First-Class County, a film was produced showing a small boy walking out to the crease as the voice-over wondered if one day he might be walking out to bat at a Durham Ashes. Just twenty-one years later, the dream has come true and we will be hosting our first Ashes Test in August.

This is a reward for many years of investment in infrastructure and earning a reputation in world cricket for our welcoming and professional approach. The Ashes represent the biggest international sporting event ever held in the region. Tickets have been in great demand and many of these have been sold to people outside the North East, with enormous benefits to the wider regional economy.

For the Club, the Ashes bring a welcome focus on cricket to a wider audience, especially in an area of great sporting passions. It has enabled closer ties with a wide range of community groups from Chester-le-Street to Durham Cathedral to Beamish and beyond. Working with local residents, a volunteer force is being put together to ensure a warm welcome for our visitors.

The Ashes, however, do not simply mark a destination reached. They must become the starting point for the future development of both the Club and the venue. That’s why it’s such a happy coincidence that this is our 21st anniversary as a First-Class County, a classic birthday for looking to the future rather than the past.

We have many events planned to celebrate this milestone and great plans to use our heightened profile to support young people in the region, whether through our Foundation or Academy. The Academy has already given great opportunities to youngsters in the region. One in eleven of its graduates have gone on to play international cricket; one in four to play at County level.

And of course the County team has three important trophies to win this season. The best effect of all the celebrations this year would be for more people to give a day at the cricket a go. They’ll enjoy it and with their support, we are confident we shall be challenging for prizes in every form of the game.

The first person to be asked the million pound question in “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” was asked who played at Chester-le-Street. He failed but we think he’d know now – and certainly by the end of 2013. Raising the profile of Club and town will bring responsibilities – we need to deliver an exceptional event – but it will also bring shared rewards.”