This week's 'A Conversation With...' features Director of Cricket, Mr Chris Ellison. In this feature, we learn more about the man driving cricket across the College, especially as we welcome girls to the school from Year 7 next September.
What is your role and how long have you been at Shiplake?
This is a new role created for the College which is part time Director of Cricket. Though I've been involved with the College since 2005! The previous role was primarily a drop-in cricket coaching role working across all the age groups. However, with our ever expanding programmes, and the development of enrichment activities, this new role gives me the mandate (popular word these days!) to help grow the game for the College pupils and into the local community.
What were you doing before Shiplake?
I was working at the University of Reading in their student sports department and doing part time cricket coaching with Berkshire Cricket, Henley Cricket Club and the European Cricket Council.
What is a day in the life at Shiplake like for Mr Ellison?
This term, we've started our lunchtime indoor cricket matches for Lower School, Year 9 and Year 10 pupils. This Monday's game ended in a thrilling tie! After half term, we get going with the senior girls and boys. I'm only onsite two or three days a week. But, as we approach summer 2023, I'll be onsite every day as we prepare our teams for the start of the new season.
What is the best thing about working at Shiplake?
Wonderful people and fantastic facilities.
We're some time away from the start of the summer season but what are the goals for Shiplake College Cricket?
At present we have two strands. Firstly at a development and participation level fostering and encouraging as many pupils to play the game and represent the College in matches. And at a performance level, to be competitive at each stage of the journey from Lower School through to Senior 1st XI cricket, including the growth of our Sixth Form girls' programme. This includes the development of talent to go on and represent higher standards of cricket in club and county age group pathways.
What do you do away from work?
In short, taxi driver and volunteer coach in both cricket and football for three energetic boys. Away from this, I like to hit a few golf balls.
What does the future hold for Mr Ellison?
I tend not to look too far ahead. I'm really enjoying this role and the opportunity to drive cricket forward with the College. As our College numbers grow, and as we welcome girls to the school from Year 7 next September, recruit and attract pupils with cricket on their radar, I'm confident this role with grow with it.
