In the first of what we hope will be a long running series, we’d like to welcome you to our new in-depth interviews with a member of the team behind Stand Cricket Club.
In our first interview, Adam McGladdery followed his Dad and older brother in playing cricket for Stand. He is now heading up the Junior Cricket section whilst playing for our first 1Xi.
Name:
Adam McGladdery
Age:
22
Length of time playing cricket?
I have been playing cricket all my life, I would say 15+ years.
Who’s the best player you have every played with?
Has to be Hannah Jones, who is currently part of the Manchester Originals squad for this years 100 competition.
Your best match?
As an opening bowler I pride myself on my batting ability. My best match (favourite performance) has to be from the season the 1Xi team won the GMCL Division 1. Walking out to bat number 11 away at Monton needing 70+ runs to win, I hear my captain say, “stay out there for a long as you can” (real confidence boost!). As always, it was my job to save the day. Norm and I gracefully scored the runs required to (win) tie the game. Personally, I feel those 2 points won us the league.
Your best stats?
In our last home game of 2021, I had figures of 6-31 against Royton. They are my best 1Xi team figures. It isn’t the best I have bowled but as long as it says “Bowled A. McGladdery” in the book I am happy.
How and when did you get into cricket?
Since my dad has always played, I grew up spending Saturdays and Sundays at Stand on the boundary edge. I spent summer evenings shifting wheelbarrows of cut grass and bowling at my brother until 10pm every Saturday night on the outfield. I didn’t have much choice about getting into cricket; it was only a matter of when.
Can you describe what you enjoyed most about cricket as a kid and what you enjoy about cricket now?
I can’t put my finger on what I enjoyed most about cricket when I was younger. It helped that it was something I was good at. Some of my favourite memories are of spending almost every minute of summer days at the club. Sundays often started with under-13s in the morning, followed by a trip to Subway, and then spending the afternoon in a grass net on the outfield. Playing “if you’re out, you’re out” meant you could bat for hours. Unfortunately, as a bowler I would not bat for very long.
Now that I’m in my 20s and working all week, cricket gives me a place to escape from work and other stresses. After finishing work on a Friday, I can spend a few hours coaching, play all day Saturday and then enjoy a few drinks with the lads in the evening.
What are you trying to improve?
My batting, my in-swinger and the social acceptance of bowling in a headband, to name a few. Although, if you’re asking about the junior section, my main goal is to get as many kids as possible playing the game and to encourage them to continue into senior cricket. While we haven’t done badly in this area over the years, the number of people playing club cricket is declining. Promoting from within will be crucial for keeping our three senior teams active for the next 100 years.
What is your week like during the season?
During the season, weeks can be quite hectic. Depending on my work schedule and the teams playing, I might train twice a week, attend a junior fixture or umpire, play a T20, coach on Friday, and then play on Saturday and Sunday. Plus, I often spend Saturday night at the bar!
How are you finding running the junior section?
I have only been running the junior section for 4 months and have to say I am enjoying it but it is tough. I am looking forward to the summer for the fun stuff during the season when we are out playing and training every week.
Why should kids start playing cricket?
Personally, I don’t think there is anything better than playing cricket on a summer’s day. Whether it’s a weeknight T20 or a 50-over game on a Saturday, you get to spend quality time with a group of mates. Also, hopefully, take some wickets as well.
When I go shopping in Morrisons or run through Whitefield, I often bump into someone I know through the Cricket Club and end up having a chat. Socialising in such a diverse environment from an early age has been great for me, and I highly recommend others do the same.
My interests changed from football to cricket at 14. As such, having a sport to keep me active and fit has been a massive help, especially after my first year of Uni. The different disciplines that cricket has to offer will suit the needs of any young person wanting to stay fit and get involved with sport. If you like long-distance running, being a fast bowler will suit you. On the other hand, concentration could make you a great opening batsman. If you enjoy puzzles and working out problems, you’ll love trying to outwit a batsman by bowling different variations of off-spin. Cricket also benefits you in other ways. It enhances your concentration, improves teamwork skills and helps you understand how your individual actions impact the overall game. These skills are highly transferable to all aspects of life.
Having cricket to go to in the summer I found invaluable. I knew I would never be bored as I would be playing/training/scoring/watching every day of the week.
What can parents do to support their kids in cricket?
With my Junior Cricket Chairman hat on, the biggest thing parents can do is give up time to help with training and match days. Our Friday night training sessions are key to the kids’ development. They’re also great nights to socialise at the club. The only way Fridays work is if we have enough volunteers to help coach and look after all age groups. One thing I want to stress is that parents do not need to know about cricket to help out. Having someone who is willing to supervise for an hour or two is more than enough.
