Member survey results 2024

Improvements made as a result of the survey

As the results of the survey are further discussed, more actions will be published here, but some of the initial actions that are happening are:

• Further discussions with 360 cricket on the coaching for the indoor cricket

• Even greater liaison with the park management companies to improve the state of the pitches

• Review of the sign-up process and website to see if any simplifications can be made

Some of the themes in the free text responses were:

• Welcoming environment : the club has a friendly, inclusive atmosphere, making both children and parents feel welcome and supported.

• Good club spirit with children forming friendships and feeling part of the team.

Some of the themes in the free text responses for potential improvements were:

• Awareness: Parents suggest improving outreach to local schools, including using flyers, social media, and direct communication to raise awareness. Some respondents only found out about the club through word of mouth.

• Discounts: While pricing is seen as clear, some parents asked for better communication on sibling discounts. Some felt the cost of winter training and indoor nets was poorer value than the summer training.

• Joining Process and Website: The joining process can be hard to follow, and some parents find the website difficult to navigate

• Capacity:  Some concerns about limited availability, especially for certain age groups.

Some of the themes in the free text responses for improvements were:

• Skill Development: Some asks for more personalized, technical coaching particularly for older age groups. There were calls for more individual feedback, more technical drills and higher engagement from coaches

• Training Structure: The mix of skill levels in some sessions was raised; more advanced players could be challenged more.

• Venue: The Harris Boys Academy venue is convenient, but there were requests for additional facilities for parents e.g., seating, areas for siblings to do homework).

• The booking system and availability of spaces can be problematic

Some of the themes in the free text responses for improving summer training were:

• Good overall satisfaction with the quality and atmosphere of the summer training. The food vans were popular. The general organization and communication were positively rated.

• More Focus on Skill Development and Match Readiness: There were asks for more emphasis on technical skills and structured, individualized feedback for players. There was an ask for training to be more closely relate to match scenarios, with more focus on game situations

Some of the themes in the free text responses on improving matches were:

• Participation: Whilst some parents praised efforts to balance participation fairly, others requested clearer rotation policies to ensure all players get equal opportunities to bat and bowl and avoid favouritism.

• Scheduling: weekday match timings and transport are inevitably difficult. There is a desire to play more matches at the SMCC main ground. Positive feedback on match organization and communication from team managers

• Coaching and Player Development: There was a asks for more professional coaching and feedback during matches. Our team spirit was praised but not always matched by the opposition.  

Some of the themes in the free text responses on improving the holiday camps were:

• Extended Hours: requests for later pick-up times (until 5 pm) and earlier drop-offs (from 8:30 am) 

• More Skill-Based Training: There’s a wish for camps with more streamed ability groups and more technical coaching for older age groups or advanced players.

Some of the themes in the free text responses for improvements were:

• Pitch Quality: Concerns about the quality of pitches at public parks like Peckham Rye, Mayow Park, and Ruskin; suggestions to improve outfield conditions, uneven surfaces and divots.

• Toilets and Amenities: consistent access to toilet facilities e.g. South Norwood. More frequent clubhouse and bar openings

• Improved Equipment: Suggestions to improve the condition of kits and benches, add more nets, and invest in electronic scoreboards

The children most liked the camaraderie, team spirit, and making friends through cricket. Matches and friendly competition were particuarily popular. Suggestions for improvements were:

• More Personalized Coaching: more tailored feedback and individual coaching sessions

• Increased Challenge: There’s a desire for more challenging sessions, including bowling machine use

• Additional Sessions: Requests include longer sessions, more capacity on Friday nights, and extra opportunities like masterclasses

• Increased Match Play: Provide more opportunities for game-like scenarios during training, mini-matches, and match-related coaching