Cricket: Starting from 'grassroots'

Northland Cricket Association's new general manager Warren Marr wants cricket in the region to get back to "grassroots".

The 45-year-old Marr, who grew up in Wanganui, had a long association with Central Districts Cricket before commencing his Northland role.

He coached Central District's age group cricket since he was 18, with Ross Taylor and Jesse Ryder being some of the talent to come under his tutelage.

As well as coaching, Marr, an all-rounder, was a player-coach for Wanganui in the Hawke Cup.

A secondary school teacher, Marr began his career in Wanganui before spending seven and a half years as a housemaster at a private school in Surrey, England, where he taught physical education, and business.

He ran the school's cricket programme which saw him taking a cricket tour to Sri Lanka.

Returning to New Zealand 10 months ago Marr and his wife decided to move to Northland because he "fell in love with the place" when as child he spent holidays in the Bay of Islands with his grandparents. He brought a property in Helena Bay where he lives and last year coached the Kamo High School first and second X1 teams.

Marr believes Northland cricket is in good health, but it needs to focus on the "grassroots".

"The elite level is amazing. Great coaches, great structure. The main focus is to go back to the core, to build grassroots cricket. We're lacking a strong grassroots." he said.

Young players losing interest in cricket as they become teenagers is a problem for Northland cricket, Marr believes.

"Particularly with cricket, young people lose interest. We have challenges keeping youth interested in cricket."

Volunteers and parents are critical to keep youth playing the game, he said.

"Stephen Cunis [cricket operations manager] has developed a coaching platform. Volunteer coaches and parents are the key. The people that you've got in Northland cricket are amazing and are in it for the right reasons," he said

The end goal for Marr is to see young players come through the ranks and play for Northern Districts.

Northland Cricket's base is Cobham Oval, an international-standard ground that has hosted internationals matches.

Marr would like to continue to see the ground hosting international matches. "With international cricket comes massive challenges. We have an international quality facility.

"We intend to keep lobbying with New Zealand Cricket to keep international matches.

Northland Cricket and the Whangarei District Council work together in organising big matches. Marr wants to continue this "imperative relationship".

"We have a very good relationship between the Northland Cricket Association and the council. We absolutely want to keep working with them."

Marr's new role as general manager replaces the chief executive role held by Gary Bell.