Cricket clubs are like plants. Without proper care and attention they wither and die. Without fresh new players coming through, death draws nearer every season. Players age and retire. Someone needs to be there to replace them when they do.

It's exactly that problem that Chagford CC in Devon has had in recent years. Success has meant them moving to a higher standard of cricket but time is ticking for senior players in the autumn of their careers.

Tradition has dictated that a club in this position spend money (perhaps from a sponsor) on bringing in a star cricketer from overseas to fill the gap.

But the club have taken that money and decided to plough it back into their small youth section instead by offering scholarships to the clubs best young players on the Chris Read Cricket Academy.

This long term view will no doubt cost in instant results.

However, talented young players will naturally be drawn to the scholarships and sign up to play for the club. The youth section will thrive, bring through talent and begin a 'conveyor belt' style where talented 14-18 year olds are gradually replacing retiring players in senior teams.

It's a simple switching of money from instant success to long term gain.

Of course, money is not the answer to everything.

Talented players might come for the scholarship but they will only stay if they are enjoying playing and that means making youth your club's main focus:

• Making sure your club has qualified coaches.
• Putting sponsorship money into equipment and resources that improve coaching.
• Teaming up with schools to provide coaching to interested youngsters and a path into the game.

None of that takes much money. But it does take a commitment from the club and passion from coaches who want to grow the game. A lot of time can go into making it work and the rewards are not instant.

For example, every year my own club put on a kwik cricket tournament for all the local primary schools. This is not just community spirited. Young players whose enthusiasm is sparked by the event can come and play under 9 or under 11 age group cricket at the club with their friends. In 5-10 years the club will start bearing the fruit with talent coming through.

But for us and clubs like Chagford, it's like watering the plants and giving them enough light. Come the spring the garden will be in beautiful bloom.

For more on Chagford CC and their scholarship scheme contact Mike Wreyford on (01837) 52932

image credit: alister667