If you are very lucky you will be a member of a great cricket team and a great gym. In fact, what you look for in one you should look for in the other.

Take this template of a great gym from Andrew Heffernan:

1. PERSONAL ATTENTION.
2. RECOGNITION FOR ACCOMPLISHMENT.
3. CONTINUED INSTRUCTION.
4. TRAINERS WHO ARE ON THE SAME PAGE.
5. METICULOUS RECORD KEEPING.
6. A FEELING OF "SERIOUS FUN”.
7. LESS FOCUS ON STUFF.
8. INSPIRATON.

Sounds like a good place to be right? A cricket club has no reason to be any different. Look at the parallels:

• Do your top players get on with the younger ones or the lesser talents?
• Are personal accomplishments lauded on a regular basis?
• Do senior players and coaches create an atmosphere where anyone can develop their game?
• Do players play hard and play fair?

Traditionally both clubs and gyms have not been run along these lines. But just because something is a tradition, it doesn't make it right. After all, clubs are there for like minded people to get together and have fun in their spare time. If it's not enjoyable, why bother?

If your club is to get stronger on the pitch you need to create the right atmosphere for success. Work at creating a great community like the Andrew's dream gyms and more wins will follow.