Devon Cricket Foundation Welcomes New Club Development Officers
The Devon Cricket Foundation is delighted to announce the appointments of Ian McCombes and Antony Cox as Club Development Officers.
The new roles will see Ian and Antony work alongside clubs to drive volunteer engagement, promoting the game of cricket across Devon, and ensuring a high-quality, accessible experience for all participants. They will also act as the lead contact for all club-based ECB National Programmes, such as All Stars and Dynamos Cricket.
Ian McCombes will be responsible for the South and West of Devon, whilst Antony will be the lead contact for the North and East of the county.
Ian McCombes - Club Development Officer (South & West)
Ian has worked in Sport Development for over 20 years, and during this time has worked for the Bowls Development Alliance, where he managed the Just Bowl programme, and was the Facilities Project Lead for Argyle Community Trust.
Additionally, he worked for Association of College Sport, where he was the Sports Development Manager and also the national lead for cricket and rugby, responsible for overseeing the Indoor24 programme, the T20 leagues and providing insight into the college sector for the ECB.
In addition to working in Sport Development, Ian worked as a Sports Lecturer in Scarborough for Yorkshire Coach College and Hull University’s Scarborough Campus.
Away from work, he is the Vice Chair, Devon Rep and U11s coach at Devonport Services Rugby Club, giving him first-hand experience of running a sports club and a great understanding of the challenges that clubs face. He is also familiar with the All Stars and Dynamos programmes as his son plays for Tideford CC in Cornwall.
Speaking on joining the Devon Cricket Foundation, Ian said:
"I am very passionate about Sport Development and the impact that sport can have on peoples lives. Over the past few years, I have witnessed how much joy and confidence that participants have gained from the All Stars and Dynamos programmes, and I am extremely proud to be part of this.
"I am looking forward to assisting clubs to grow their membership and, in doing so, help cricket thrive in the county."
Contact
Get in touch with Ian:
ian.mccombes@devoncricket.co.uk
07939 016149
Antony Cox - Club Development Officer (North & East)
Originally from the Bristol area, Antony has played for, coached in, and organised community sports clubs for over 30 years and brings extensive communication skills from a career in marketing communications and graphic design.
He joined Sidmouth CC in 2019, where he has led All Stars and Dynamos programmes and, since 2020, has been the club's Women & Girls' Cricket Coordinator, growing female participation from just a handful to 40 girls and 20 women in 2025.
In 2022, Antony won the Devon Inspired to Play Grassroots Cricket Award (now Cricket Collective Award) for his hard work building up the girls' cricket section at Sidmouth CC, going on to be highly commended at the national awards.
"Sport was significant in my life development and I am hugely passionate about inspiring young people to be active and play cricket.
"I understand firsthand how involvement in cricket positively impacts young people. How being active is important for mental well-being, how sports can build confidence and life skills that allow young people to be successful, and how building community ensures safe and positive places for young people to play, make friends, and have fun!"
Contact
Get in touch with Antony:
antony.cox@devoncricket.co.uk
07375 323421
