A COACH from Blackheath Cricket Club has been recognised for outstanding services to grass roots game by Sky Sports presenter Michael Atherton at the fifth Ashes Test match at the Oval.

Christopher Swadkin was presented with a coaching certificate by the ex-England captain as part of the Sky Sports ECB Coach Education Programme. Seven coaches from southern England met with Atherton on the pitch during the lunch break of the fifth Test.

More than a hundred coaches from across the country are being acknowledged by the programme’s ‘Reward and Recognition’ scheme, which comprises on-pitch presentations throughout the summer by various cricket legends.

Swadkin was chosen for the award because he has consistently displayed dedication and professionalism by organising a huge colts section at Blackheath CC, while simultaneously managing to organise both county and district commitments.

The proof his work is coming to fruition is in the results.

Blackheath under-15s won the national competition and the club’s results in general have been steadily improving over the last few years.

Following the presentation, Swadkin said: “It is so important to improve the levels of coaching in local clubs to be able to develop cricket as a game on the pitch. “Without the help of Sky Sports this would not be possible.”