Photo © ECC

The EDM visited Denmark over the period May 23-25 where he initially visited Herning to consider the 2003 venue for the Indoor Championships, followed by a visit to the recently completed Svanholm CC outside of Copenhagen.

The indoor complex in Herning (in the middle of the peace and beauty of Jutland) offers the most versatile venue in the history of the tournament to date, with up to 4 playing areas within one centre. A centre much used for handball, this offers every facility imaginable and should allow the 2003 tournament to run effectively over a three-day period in February. Claus Hansen, DCA Chairman, stated that "the centre offers sufficient playing areas to accommodate up to fifteen European member countries, and with plans to introduce coloured clothing, numbered shirts and music throughout the tournament, I am looking forward to welcoming the greatest number ever to the 2003 event."

Photo © ECC

Accommodation, transport and gala dinner options were all considered, with Chairman of Herning CC and tournament director, Folmer Christiansen, on hand to offer sound advice and guidance. The final schedule of the tournament will be published as soon as the availability of all facilities viewed is confirmed.

Both Herning and Nyk¯bing Mors cricket clubs were visited and, in light of numerous past European tournaments staged at these clubs and future tournaments (including this year's U15-1st Division Tournament) scheduled to be played there, the EDM was able to offer support for both grounds to install artificial Notts Sport pitches ahead of 19 July, when play commences.

A short flight to Copenhagen saw the EDM link up with Thomas Kentorp (DCA Vice-Chairman), S¯ren Nissen (Chairman, Svanholm CC) and Kim Gyldenborg (newly appointed DCA Treasurer) at Svanholm CC, where the impressive grounds, practice facilities and in particular, pavilion, were viewed. The EDM felt that "the Svanholm facility must rank as the finest in Europe and certainly will challenge many established professional club facilities in terms of the attention to detail to provide for players, officials and spectators."

Photo © ECC

With the MCC due to tour Denmark and play at the ground, it is a wonderful opportunity for Denmark to put its case forward to host future domestic one day matches such as the current Cheltenham and Gloucester one day tournament which this year sees Denmark taking on the might of Leicestershire Cricket Board away from home.

The opportunity was taken to review the considerable number of changes that have been made in the past six months in Danish cricket with key positions from coaching to administration and management resulting in new appointments. The Chairman outlined an impressive management strategy to ensure that clubs to elite levels are supported as part of a cohesive and coordinated plan.

Following a meeting with former Director of Coaching, Ole 'Stan' Mortensen, agreement was reached with the DCA for Stan to play an active role with the clubs on behalf of the DCA as well as to call on his vast experience to assist in the preparation of the numerous national squads ahead of their European campaigns.

Photo © ECC

A further example of the progressive nature of the board's strategy is their willingness to trial a version of the 3rd generation game adopted by ICC, designed to capture new audiences and participants as well as to retain those players currently involved. Coloured flicx pitches, numbered, coloured clothing and a 15-18 over evening league format will see a mini-revolution taking place amongst the peace and tranquility on the islands of Jutland with the pilot scheme transported across the waters in 2004 to fellow European countries.