Game, Set and Match in Business and Sport for Midshire

It was double celebrations at Midshire Business Systems this week as the team congratulated another of its top sales people after winning recognition from Stockport’s business and sporting community.

Daniel Bridgeman has been shortlisted in the “Volunteer of the Year” category of the Stockport Sports Awards.  His making the shortlist for the town’s sports awards – for his work with young cricketers – comes hard on the heels of colleague, sales manager Nick Rose’s, shortlisting for Stockport’s ‘Business Person of the Year’.

The awards, held annually, recognise local achievement in sport by individuals and clubs.

A senior salesman at Midshire, specialising in services for political parties, Daniel has coached Stockport’s Bramhall Cricket Club’s under 9s and under 11s for two years.  The club nominated him for his tireless work with around 80 youngsters, work that dominates the summer evenings and every Sunday during the season.

“It takes over my life in summer.  My wife says I talk cricket with just about everyone.  I’m very focused on the kids, I was a cricketer when I was younger, and have recently started playing again, but some of my life-long friends were made through cricket.  I try to explain to the kids at the club about how much more they can get from the game.

“I like to be a very praising coach.  I listen, I’m approachable.  It’s lovely to be recognised like this but I didn’t expect any rewards other than what I get from seeing our teams do well.  We have some fun.  The kids will tell you I tell them all to tuck their shirts in properly before they start – I get a few eye rolls – but I treat them like I treat my own kids.”

Daniel is married to Katrina and they have a 22 year old daughter and a son, eight, who shares his Dad’s passion for ‘leather on willow’.

Volunteer of the Year is aimed at those who have made a significant impact or contribution to the development of sports performers, club, and community or school sport.  The hours dedicated and commitment to the voluntary role are all considered by the judging panel together with evidence of nominees ‘going the extra mile’.

In addition to his coaching duties Daniel, who has worked at Stockport-based Midshire Business Systems for ten years, is the club’s under 9s manager and holiday cricket week organiser. As well as organising fundraiser bag packs, Daniel is an active player within the 4th team (the principle role of which is to develop juniors) and the over 40s team, as well as contributing to junior committee meetings.

Whilst at the club he and his support squad of coaches have increased membership of u9s and u11s from 40 to 60 in 2013, coaxed an improvement in the vast majority of ‘all ability’ players, increased female junior membership from two to six, seen the u11s finishing in the top four teams in Cheshire, all with happy children, parents and coaches looking forward to and enjoying their cricket