We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of former Business and Economics teacher Richard Young, who has been conferred with Life Membership of the English Schools Cricket Association (ESCA) in recognition of his outstanding service to schools' cricket and his wider contribution to the game throughout a distinguished 35-year teaching career.

Richard's award acknowledges not only his dedication to ESCA over more than a decade, but also the impact he has had on generations of young cricketers across several schools, including 17 years at Stockport Grammar School.

Having begun his teaching and coaching career at St Edward's College, Liverpool, Richard went on to serve as Master in Charge of Cricket at Thornton Grammar School, Bradford, before joining Stockport Grammar School in 2000. During his time at SGS, he coached the Under 15 side before taking charge of the 1st XI from 2001 to 2011, helping to develop both the standard of cricket at the School and the experiences available to its pupils.

Alongside his school commitments, Richard made a substantial contribution to cricket nationally through his work with the English Schools Cricket Association. Between 2010 and 2022 he undertook a variety of key roles, including Assistant Treasurer, Bunbury Festival Assistant Organiser and National Finals Match Manager. He also served as Cheshire Schools Cricket Secretary and was involved in the prestigious North of England Schools XL Club programme.

One of Richard's lasting legacies at SGS was the breadth of opportunities he created for young players. Working alongside fellow teacher David Makinson, he organised ten cricket tours to Malta between 2001 and 2011, as well as two memorable tours to Australia in 2007 and 2011. He also arranged training visits to Lord's, opportunities for SGS captains to experience the Home of Cricket, and fixtures against touring schools from both the UK and overseas.

His programme brought pupils into contact with renowned cricket figures, including former Lancashire stars Gary Yates and Luke Sutton, who delivered training sessions at the School. Richard also fostered links with schools around the world, including Sunshine Grammar School in Queensland and St Laurence College in Brisbane.

Reflecting on his time at Stockport Grammar School, Richard highlights a number of memories that stand out. Among them are the 1st XI's Ashes tour victory in Australia in 2011, a series of successes against the Malta national side, and seeing SGS pupils such as Alex Hope (OS 2008) and James Needham (OS 2009) represent the North in elite schools' cricket competitions. Most importantly, however, he remembers the enjoyment, friendship and personal development that cricket brought to so many young people.

"Seeing a generation of SGS players enjoying and improving their cricket was always the greatest reward," he said.

Richard's passion for cricket extended beyond teaching. A lifelong player, he represented clubs including Chorley, Bretherton, Morley, Stockport, Leyland and the University of Manchester, while also playing representative cricket for North West, North East and Scotland Over-40s sides.

The conferment of Life Membership by ESCA is a fitting recognition of Richard's decades of commitment to schools' cricket. Through his coaching, administration and enthusiasm for the game, he has helped countless young cricketers create lasting memories, develop their skills and foster a lifelong love of cricket.

"It was a privilege to work alongside Richard at Stockport Grammar School. His commitment, enthusiasm and generosity with his time left a lasting impression on colleagues and pupils alike. Richard was consistently kind and approachable, and his support for both students and staff was greatly valued. The Life Membership awarded by the English Schools Cricket Association is a fitting recognition of the enormous contribution he has made to schools' cricket over many years. I know that countless former pupils will look back with great affection on the opportunities and memories he helped to create." Hugo Corbett, PE Teacher. 

The School congratulates Richard on this well-deserved honour and thanks him for the significant contribution he made to cricketing life at Stockport Grammar School.