GACO
Gloucestershire Association of Cricket Officials (GACO) represents the best interests of umpires and scorers of all levels.In conjunction with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation (GCF) GACO exists:
- To provide training and education programmes in order to aid performance. Including Umpire and Scorer Courses
- To improve umpire and scorer recruitment processes
- To appoint officials to all cricket matches when requested
- To liaise with other organisations both without and within the County of Gloucestershire
- To administer an assessment and improvement programme
- To agree an appropriate level of fees and expenses
- To manage GACO finances judiciously
GACO Committee
| Position | Officer | |
|---|---|---|
| Chair | Phil Mattingley | chair@gaco.org.uk |
| Hon. Secretary | Rishi Maktedar | secretary@gaco.org.uk |
| Hon. Treasurer | John Lindley | treasurer@gaco.org.uk |
| Scorers Representative | Sue Drinkwater | scorers@gaco.org.uk |
| Education Officer | Bob Hampshire | education@gaco.org.uk |
| Development Officer | Bob Owen | development@gaco.org.uk |
| Education & Development Co-ordinator | Andrew Davis | edanddev@gaco.org.uk |
| Appointments Officer | Mark Haines | appointments@gaco.org.uk |
| GCF Representative | Gareth Dawson | gareth.dawson@gloucestershirecricketfoundation.org |
Find a Course
To upskill new and develop existing umpires and scorers, GACO delivers a wide range of courses.
Harry Watts / Club Development Manager
Harry joined the team in August 2022 as our Urban Development Officer and was initially responsible for growing the game of cricket in the urban areas of Bristol and Gloucester. In April 2024, Harry was promoted to Club Development Manager where he now delivers on a number of ECB priority areas including Facility Development, Clubmark, as well as working with Local Authorities on their Playing Pitch Strategies.
In 2018, Harry graduated from Swansea University with a degree in Media & Communications and later gained a PGCE in Primary Education from UWE, having spent multiple years working in primary schools. At his local club, Thornbury CC, Harry supports in different areas, including being an emergency player when required!
Now in his exciting role as Club Development Manager, he is responsible for leading the team of club development staff and working closely with cricket clubs across the county to provide direct support with the aim of creating sustainable clubs for the future. Furthermore, Harry leads youth competitions and the ECB Clubmark Accreditation and sits on a number of GCF Development Groups and Committees.
As a local Bristolian, Harry is a Bristol Rovers supporter and is a big all-round sports fan.