Birchwood High School student Madeleine Gilbank wins Game Changer award at Essex County Cricket Club

Madeleine Gilbank is in the running for a national cricket accolade after being named a regional Game Changer.

The 17-year-old, who is principal student at Birchwood High School in Bishop’s Stortford, was a winner at the Cricket Collective Awards, which took place at Essex’s The Cloud County Ground.

Gilbank has now received a county nomination for the national ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) Game Changer title.

The teenager received her award for her work at Wendens Ambo Cricket Club, where she has been involved with the coaching setup for six years.

Starting her coaching journey at the age of 11, she won a national Young Leaders in Cricket Award three years later for her volunteering hours and fundraising efforts.

Gilbank has now assumed full responsibility for coaching various year groups, including supporting the newly-formed girls’ and ladies’ section of the club.

“I was delighted to be nominated by the club and be recognised for my work,” said Madeleine. “I love what I do and it’s a pleasure to be part of such a supportive and wonderful club.”

Stansted Cricket Club’s junior coach Matt Cope also celebrated at the County Ground after being named Coach of the Year in the ECB Coach Awards.

The quantity surveyor and father of three was nominated by the head coach of the Hong Kong national team after being impressed by one of his juniors in a private training session.

Cope, who grew up in Stansted and attended The Bishop’s Stortford High School, also coaches Elsenham Youth Football Club under-14s. His wife Gemma works at Northgate Primary School in Stortford.

He has helped to generate a brilliant atmosphere among the cricket club’s juniors which has led to lots of happy children and parents.