January has proven to be a landmark period for the Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket Foundation, with the organisation achieving significant national recognition by securing two prestigious awards at the ECB Impact of Cricket Awards ceremony.
Celebrating Collaborative Success
The Foundation was honoured with an award that specifically celebrates exemplary partnership work across county boundaries. This recognition underscores the powerful collaborative efforts undertaken alongside partners in Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, and Trent Bridge. The award highlights how strategic alliances can amplify cricket's positive influence, demonstrating that when organisations unite with a shared vision and purpose, the sport's capacity to create meaningful community impact is substantially enhanced.
Exceptional Leadership Recognised
In a further triumph, the Foundation's managing director, Namita Patel, was presented with the Leading Change Award. This accolade acknowledges her exceptional leadership and substantial contribution to recreational cricket. Patel's inclusive, people-focused approach has been instrumental in rebuilding community trust and driving sustainable, long-term change within the sport. As one of only two female managing directors in recreational cricket, her influence resonates beyond Leicestershire and Rutland, serving as an inspiration across the wider sporting landscape.
Commitment to Inclusion Highlighted
The Foundation's dedication to fostering an equitable sporting environment was further emphasised by its shortlisting for the Inclusive Team Sport Award. This nomination reinforces the organisation's ongoing commitment to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion within cricket, ensuring the game is accessible and welcoming to all.
Reflections from Leadership
Tom Campbell, Chair of the Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket Foundation, stated that these awards reflect the collective dedication of everyone involved in the organisation's work. He praised the unwavering commitment of staff, volunteers, partners, and local communities, highlighting cricket's role as a powerful catalyst for positive social change.
Namita Patel attributed the achievements to the entire team, emphasising that meaningful impact is only possible through shared values, trust, and genuine collaboration. She noted that effective leadership is fundamentally about cultivating the right culture—one that empowers individuals to perform at their best and provides support through both challenges and successes.
Looking Forward to 2026
Buoyed by this recognition, the Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket Foundation now looks ahead to building on this momentum throughout 2026. The organisation aims to strengthen existing partnerships and create more inclusive opportunities, enabling a broader range of people across the region to engage with and benefit from the sport of cricket.
