BRADFORD Premier League president David Young and chief executive Alan Birkinshaw have praised clubs for their hard work in 2022 in a New Year message.

They highlighted the achievements of the 34 who secured Clubmark accreditation in 2022 and praised the investments being made to upgrade facilities.

Here is the full message:

As we reach the end of another challenging year for cricket it is timely to reflect on the hard work that our clubs have been putting in.

Since 2020 the demands on cricket administrators at all levels have been considerable.

Around every corner there has appeared to be a new challenge and each one has tested the skills and resolve of our hard-working club officials.

After finally getting back to some kind or normality after Covid-19 the game has had to confront the scourge of racism and discrimination in 2022 as it strives to make itself inclusive to a diverse audience.

Now as we prepare to enter 2023 soaring energy bills and a cost-of-living crisis are putting a strain on club finances.

Thanks to the excellent support we receive from our sponsors Gordon Rigg we have been able to keep league fees at £50 – a level they have remained at for over 20 years.

As part of the ongoing rules revision process, proposals were received regarding using pink balls in our cup competitions but the review panel felt this would create a financial burden which cannot be justified at this time, although it is an innovation they want to explore for 2024.

It was a considerable achievement in 2022 to see 34 of our clubs secure ECB Clubmark accreditation.

As a league, we acknowledge that we do not always give recognition for the work being put in at club level, but this was something deserving our highest praise.

Adwalton, Baildon, Bankfoot, Batley, Birstall, Bradford & Bingley, Buttershaw St Paul’s, Carlton, Cleckheaton, Crossflatts, East Ardsley, East Bierley, Farsley, Gomersal, Hanging Heaton, Hartshead Moor, Hunslet Nelson, Jer Lane, Keighley, Lightcliffe, Liversedge, Methley, Morley, New Farnley, Northowram Fields, Ossett, Pudsey Congs, Pudsey St Lawrence, Sandal, Townville, Undercliffe, Woodlands, Wrenthorpe and Yeadon are to be congratulated on securing Clubmark.

The challenge for the league is to encourage the remaining 13 clubs to obtain Clubmark.

Support is available at league and Yorkshire Cricket Board level for clubs seeking accreditation and the deadline for 2023 applications is June 30.

It is important to note that promotion to Division One cannot be achieved without Clubmark.

It has been pleasing to see clubs embarking on winter programmes to upgrade their facilities.

This is something we greatly appreciate, and we intend to highlight these projects on the league website in the New Year as the clubs involved should be rightly proud of their efforts.

As clubs seek to increase usage of their facilities, we have seen some outstanding work in engaging with local communities.

Hosting community events is a great way of showcasing the fine facilities many of you have to offer.

As we move into 2023, the league management board is determined to support and assist clubs whenever the need arises.

Please do not be afraid to seek advice and guidance when you have an issue you are struggling to resolve.

Early in the New Year, the management board will focus on the appointment of a new chairman, following the resignation of Mark Heald in November.

Mark gave sterling service to the league, and we hope in his new position of life vice-president that we will see him frequently next season.

In 2023, the management board intends to stage its meetings at different clubs.

This will also provide an opportunity for board members to meet and chat with officials of the hosting club once meetings have been concluded.

Shortly, the management board will provide details of a pre-season training programme.

It is intended to hold courses for umpiring, scoring, safeguarding, discrimination, and first aid.

Finally, to every volunteer in every club, we say thank you for playing your part in ensuring that the Bradford Premier League continues to prosper.

Your unstinting efforts are greatly appreciated.

Best wishes for the New Year, which we hope will be happy and successful for you and your club.