The 2018 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup get’s underway today in New Zealand and future England cricketers are preparing to take to the field. The England side which is captained by Yorkshire’s Harry Brook kick off their campaign on Monday against Namibia.
Matthew Hipwell is the England Under 19s manager and is currently in New Zealand ahead of England’s first game on Monday. Matthew took some time out his busy schedule to talk with Boundary6.
What is your background in cricket?
I grew up playing cricket from an early age, I represented my local club as well as school and university up until the age of 21. I was also an avid spectator (and still am) following Worcestershire and England.
How did the job come about work with England Under 19s?
My Masters was in Sport Management. Upon graduating I got an administration based job at British Swimming, and 4 years later I got a role of Administrator at England cricket primarily working with the Under-17 and Under-19 age groups. A few opportunities emerged to manage certain components of training camps and competitions, this has gradually led me to my current role with the Under-19s.
What does your role involve?
Two main areas. Firstly during camps, tours and competitions I am the Operations Manager with the team. I am chiefly responsible for player welfare, discipline, logistics, kit and equipment. The second one is when there isn’t any contact time with players, I am usually planning up and coming series and I am responsible for the day to day management of the Under-19s budget.
Explain the opportunities which come about with the Under 19s team.
For this role specifically, you are fortunate enough to travel the world at times. You also get to rub shoulders with some greats of the game. You get to work with some very talented young cricketers and some of the best coaching and sport science practitioners in the sport.
How have you been planning ahead of the Under 19s World Cup?
A lot of the logistics for the World Cup is done by the ICC – International Cricket Council, as it is they who host the event. We needed to plan a short preparation camp in New Zealand prior to the competition, to enable players to acclimatise to the time difference before competing. The planning for the World Cup or any overseas series starts properly around six months beforehand, and grows in intensity as the months and weeks draw closer.
Are you looking forward to being in New Zealand with the team for the World Cup?
Absolutely, it will be the pinnacle of my career to date. They are long days and you miss your family, but to work in cricket is a genuine privilege. Fingers crossed we can have a decent run in the competition.
What do you do when the Under 19s aren’t in action?
Try to get a bit of downtime at first, and then you are busy planning the next tour / training camp, and I have some administrational responsibilities like managing budgets and sorting contracts amongst other jobs.
I hope you enjoyed reading this interview with Matthew Hipwell, which has gave you an insight into what his role with England Under 19s involves.
Good Luck to England Under 19s for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
Boundary6 
Brilliant read
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