What a truly fantastic and memorable night!
To be asked once again to host The MACC Academy Awards was genuinely a pleasure but the talent, maturity, enthusiasm and passion of the players – not just the award winners but their teammates and dedicated coaches – was inspiring!
What former Yorkshire player Moin Ashraf is doing is phenomenal! He founded the MACC Academy with the aim of providing less privileged youngsters with an opportunity to play cricket. In the past year the 8 Academies have grown to 15. The number of youngsters supported by the scholarship scheme has expanded from 30 to 66. Last year’s Male Player of the Year is now representing England U19. Last year’s Female Player of the Year is now on Yorkshire’s Player Pathway programme. This season alone tours have been organised to Durham, Somerset, the Netherlands and next month the U16 travel to Dubai!
Over 300 guests filled the Howard Suite at Headingley Stadium. We heard from players of all age groups from U13 through to U18. Yorkshire County Cricket Club General Manager of cricket, Gavin Hamilton and former captain Steve Patterson spoke of their experiences, leadership skills, lessons learned during careers playing professional cricket and importantly how to conduct yourself, both on and off the field.
A live auction and raffle raised much needed funds for the MACC Academy Scholarship Scheme and The National Autistic Society – the Academy’s chosen charity.
But this night belonged to the players. 6 Award winners in total but an impressive list of nominees – recognised for outstanding individual performances, leadership, teamwork and success.
Congratulations to everyone involved in the MACC Academy and the best of luck to those players going on tour next month and for everyone in the year to come.
Finally, thanks Moin, Bee Ford and the team for staging an excellent evening, along with the caterers MyLahore Restaurants for a superb meal.
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