Hackney Marshes pioneer Duncan Holden scoops MCC Community Champion prize

The 52-year-old has dedicated himself to the club for the past 15 years, turning it into one of the fastest growing clubs in London

Hackney Marshes is synonymous with grassroots football, but now cricket is flourishing there too thanks to Duncan Holden.

The 52-year-old has been named the MCC/The Cricketer Community Champion winner for 2022. He will ring the four-minute bell that signifies the imminent start of play at the ODI between England and India at Lord's on July 14…. And a year's subscription to The Cricketer.

Nominated by Tom Tanner, a teammate for Stoke Newington CC, Duncan has been dedicated to the club since he took his sons, Thomas and William, there 15 years ago. It was very much in its infancy, but thanks in part to his work after he'd given up his career in the City, it's now said to be London's fastest-growing club, with 400-plus members, five men's teams, two women's, colts for boys and girls from the age of nine to 18, and now an over-50s.

"Whether it's overseeing 200 kids aged five to 15 on a Saturday morning on his second home of Hackney Marshes, attending league meetings on a weekday evening or poring over the accounts late at night, Duncan has instilled professionalism, competitiveness, enthusiasm and order to our young club, while ensuring that fun and enjoyment remain at its core," said Tanner.

"Duncan has poured his heart and soul into every facet of this club, coaching in local primary schools, making funding applications, courting sponsors, negotiating with the local authority, locating indoor venues for winter training, umpiring our 2nd XI…the list is endless and all-consuming. And best of all, he knows every single member, senior and junior, and greets them all with a smile.

^{Caroline Carter was named Community Champion in 2021}

"Perhaps Duncan's greatest legacy, when eventually he does step back from his 24/7 involvement, will be the renewal of the north end of Hackney Marshes as a thriving centre of cricket.

"Liaising between the ECB, Hackney Council and the Football Foundation, while simultaneously negotiating with local environmental activists, Duncan helped oversee the installation of three grass and five non-turf wickets as well as the construction of our new pavilion and four-lane nets. In achieving this, Duncan has created a home for cricket in east London where there was none."

Guy Lavender, MCC chief executive and secretary, said: "Duncan's nomination stood out for his tireless work in an area which football has traditionally dominated. It is clear that he is a real community champion and it is fitting he should win this award. However, as always, there are so many nominations for volunteers who all deserve recognition for the hard work they put in and we would like to congratulate all those who were nominated for this prestigious award."

The Cricketer editor Huw Turbervill agreed: "Tom and Guy have said it all – it's so great to see cricket fight back against 'King Kong Football'. Well played Duncan."

We shall hear from him in the next issue…

We received many excellent nominations. In second place, winning a pair of Test tickets kindly donated by MCC and a magazine sub, is Kevin Ives, of Lewes Priory CC. His work with women's and girls' cricket and Afghan refugees stood out on his form sent in by John Chils.

Then in third place, winning a magazine sub, is Christopher Cottrell, of Yelverton Bohemians CC. Nominated by Ross Potter, Chris coaches at schools across Devon and Cornwall, with his golden retriever Charlie in tow.

Just missing out on the prizes was Phil Crane (Dunton Bassett CC), a champion of Leicestershire cricket; and James Watson (Heathfield Junior School) who has coached youngsters who are on Marcus Rashford’s FUEL programme.

Previous winners were Julia Farman (2017), Chris Mainstone (2018), John Reeve (2019) and Caroline Carter (2021). The award did not run in 2020 due to the pandemic.