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PCA’s Managing Director of Member Services prides himself in Welsh roots on St. David’s Day.
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On the occasion of St. David’s Day, Ian Thomas writes about his Welsh heritage, cricket and how the country help shape him as a person. The PCA Managing Director of Member Services sheds light on the importance of Wales to English cricket and how its bright future excites him as a Welshman.
The former Glamorgan opener has been a part of the PCA since 2006 having first joined as a Personal Development Manager. In his current role, Thomas supports members’ personal development and welfare, legal and educational support and everything else they need off the field for a smooth career on it.
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus or Happy St. David’s Day to everyone. As a proud Welshman, it is an incredible moment for me to address the PCA’s wider membership on this very special occasion. I have always felt massively privileged to be able to grow up in Wales and call it my home with so much history, tradition and phenomenal landmarks which we take for granted but start to embrace more as we grow older.
I have always had fond memories of St. David’s Day. I remember going to different festivals and performing a Welsh folk dance during my school days. The occasion is also a good excuse to enjoy local delicacies like Welsh cakes and Cawl which is a lamb stew. We’re having a tough time in the world of rugby at the moment which is a shame since the sport is such a huge part of our culture.
However, it has always been cricket in Wales which has played a huge part in my upbringing and education. And to this day, it has shaped my future and the direction of where I have ended up working and it all links back to my roots. It fills me with immense pride to have represented Glamorgan. To train, let alone play alongside some of the household names that had played for England was a surreal experience and then they become part of your friend circle in your later life which has been a genuine privilege.
There has always been a feeling for a very long time that Welsh players represent the whole of Wales when they play for Glamorgan. If you come through the system and get a professional contract with them, you are effectively one of the best players in the country. There is still a certain degree of that feeling but the game is evolving so quickly.
The exciting part for me is that in 2027 Glamorgan will have a full-time female professional team in the Tier 1 system. This will allow schoolgirls in Wales to have the opportunity to choose cricket as a path for their profession. Previously they would have gone down the route of playing hockey or netball for their country but now cricket is a very real option for kids growing up in the region.
"Welsh cricket is an important pillar of our sport. A thriving English cricket culture needs a thriving Wales."
IAN THOMAS
Welsh cricket is an important pillar of our sport. A thriving English cricket culture needs a thriving Wales. The England and Wales Cricket Board has been around for a very long time and the Welsh element has always been a huge benefit to the sport. It is very much part of our history and tradition, and long may it continue because it gives a diverse edge to our sport.
It’s also very important for us at the PCA to celebrate our Welsh players. At the PCA, we talk about professional cricketers in England and Wales, and we’re very conscious of that language. It’s good to have representation from all backgrounds which can always bring a different perspective to the work culture.
My message to fellow Welsh friends and colleagues is simple – grab the perspective on where you have come from and embrace it to motivate you. Use the values that you have been taught from your upbringing in the country and be the best version of Welshman or woman you can be!
Diolch yn fawr iawn.
