Sue Redfearn

You've worked in numerous roles at the ECB, from women's sports development officer, to your current role. What have some of your tasks involved?

A Women’s Sports Development Officer aims to increase and develop the range of Sport and Physical Activity opportunities for women. They work with National Governing Bodies of Sport to increase opportunities for women and develop player pathways and competitive opportunities.

Explain some of your key roles...

As National and Regional Cricket Development Manager, it is my responsibility to work with counties to develop and progress their annual development plans. This involves collating knowledge of women's cricket and wider sports issues that affect participation in women's sport. I respond to queries relating to the management of women's cricket in England and Wales. We manage the Chance to Shine England Coaching Ambassadors – eight of the England Women’s international team have coaching contracts. We also work with other departments in ECB to developed aligned, robust plans for cricket development. Development of improved practices and innovative solutions is key to the role. I need to ensure I am visible and communicate to all partners. My aims are to create opportunities, influence people to create change, continuously improve what I do and create a legacy I will be proud of.

It sounds like an incredible opportunity to make a difference in cricket?

Being able to transform opportunities for girls and women in cricket and change cultures through getting more people taking women's cricket seriously is brilliant. I also love being able to make a real difference by doing something better and making things clearer. Seeing women and girls participation increase as a direct impact of the work you do is very rewarding.

What advice do you have for someone looking to make a difference in the sport they love?

I would definitely recommend a business or sports management degree. You'll also need project management, leadership/people management and iT skills. If you can, try and work in a sports development environment through volunteering or through a work experience or apprenticeship. Job shadow people within different departments of a sports club, and try and understand the sports framework for clubs and schools so you understand the environment you are expected to work within.