VOLUNTEERS IN PROFILE: NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
Anthony Tigchelaar is all too aware sporting clubs wouldn’t exist without the support of passionate volunteers.
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His club has withstood the test of time, fostering a love of cricket for almost 140 years.
Mr Tigchelaar first joined Mt Clear Cricket Club as a junior player more than 32 years ago, and has volunteered as a coach, committee member, secretary and team manager since.
He has fulfilled the role of president for the past nine years.
“Originally I began with just a love for the game. I suppose over time I saw what past generations have put into the place, and took on the idea of giving back to the club as I got older,” he said.
There has always been tremendous people around. It’s just a good place to be.
- Anthony Tigchelaar, Mt Clear Cricket Club president
Mr Tigchelaar describes the club as a tight knit community and a family friendly environment welcoming to new members.
The club has adapted to challenges throughout the years. A reduction from two day to one day cricket was a major change.
“One day cricket is more flexible and allows people to do other things on the weekend,” Mr Tigchelaar said.
“That is a sign of the times where people have a whole lot of other commitments but they still want to play cricket. We also now see Twenty20 and the way we used to coach kids is somewhat changing to suit.”
The club has also worked on upgrades to Mt Clear Recreation Reserve, seeing the installation of a turf wicket and new club rooms.
Mr Tigchelaar no longer takes to the field – he says his days of playing have ‘come and gone’ – but he now enjoys watching younger players, including his son and two daughters.
“We have girls cricket now which is tremendous. You would never have thought 15 to 20 years ago there would be girls competitions,” he said.
Although Mr Tigchelaar admits he will begin thinking about passing on the role of president in the next few years, but he can’t imagine ever leaving the club.
“I always take the view that we are custodians of the club,” he said.
“There has been a lot of people before us come and go and put the club into the position it is in these days. My plan has always been to be able to hand the club over to the next generation in a stronger state, whether that be on the field, financially, or infrastructure wise.”
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