‘The education, advice and
on-field experience provided
by the ECB ACO Young
Officials’ scheme has
seriously enhanced my
development as an umpire.’
Sam Hollingshead (right)
large part due to the support from my
local county ACO. I really can’t speak
highly enough of Somerset ACO
(SACO). In recent years, SACO has
taken a strong interest in giving Young
Officials, such as myself, opportunities
to progress, which is really nice to see.
‘In particular, this year alone, I’ve been
given the opportunity to stand in four
“multi-day” matches, which is
important for building experience
and continuing my development as
an official. It was particularly nice
to be invited to join the SACO
committee this year and shows that
the interests and experiences of Young
Officials is important to them. I also
know that there are several people
within the SACO set-up that I can go
to for any help and guidance, which is
really reassuring.
‘The Bunbury Festival really is a
special one. It has such a fantastic
history and reputation, producing over
70 England cricketers throughout its
30-year history. It’s nice knowing that
some of the lads still learning their
trade in front of you will undoubtedly
go on to represent their country. I
can’t wait to get to Radley College
and to be part of it all and hopefully
put in a good personal performance,
but also just as importantly to really
enjoy the week’s cricket and enjoy
being out in the middle.’
Sam Hollingshead
‘Following a bad knee injury five
seasons ago the team I had played
for, Lansdown Cricket Club, suggested
I took the ECB Umpiring Level 1
course to further my knowledge of the
game of cricket. Undertaking the
course and umpiring several games for
Lansdown, I was asked to umpire
Saturday cricket in the Bristol and
District division.
‘During my second season of umpiring
I was introduced to the ECB ACO
Young Officials’ scheme, w