Durham’s former Academy Director John Windows has been awarded with a Lifetime Achievement award by Sport Newcastle for his services to cricket and sporting achievements.
The award was fittingly presented by Durham and England Cricket legend Steve Harmison, who attributes Windows as a major influence over his career and international cricket career.
The Sport Newcastle Awards celebrate the very best of sporting success across Tyneside recognising outstanding achievements, grassroots sport and the rising stars of the future.
Windows is one of the most respected Academy Directors on the circuit and has helped oversee a production line of talent that is the envy of other counties.
It was Windows who brought Ben Stokes to the club from Cumbria as a raw 17-year-old to begin a journey that has taken him to the top of the game.
Having joined the Club in 1999 as an Academy Coach under Geoff Cook, Windows progressed into the role of Academy Director in 2007 in a coaching career spanning 27 years – John has been an integral part of establishing Durham as a driving force in the game with his ability to produce and attract players at the highest level.
During his time leading the men’s pathway, Windows has coached many cricketers who have gone onto play professionally for Durham, England and beyond.
Mark Wood, Liam Plunkett, Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts are some of the recent stars which have gone on to represent England and Durham with distinction under the coaching of Windows.
Having built strong relationships with the club community in the North East – Windows has laid strong foundations with neighbouring counties, Northumberland, Cumbria and Scotland.
Alongside his role with Durham, Windows has received national honours, coaching the North of England at the ECB Super 4s tournament over a number of years.
Window recently stood down from his role as Men’s Academy Director due to the physical demands coaching young talent – but has continued in a mentor and talent scout role within the Club’s academy and pathway, continuing to share his wealth of knowledge and expertise with players and the coaching team.
Steve Harmison, said: “Over the course of nearly 30 years with the club, John has played an extraordinary role in shaping the journeys of hundreds of young cricketers, many of whom have become professional and international players.
“His vision, passion, dedication, and care for developing players have left a lasting mark on our pathway and on the club as a whole.
“I would like to personally thank John for everything he has given to the club, and for the remarkable commitment and energy he has put into making our men’s academy the best in the Country, a legacy that will live strong for future generations.”
Paul Crawley, General Counsel, Tier One Capital, fund management was on hand to present the award to John with former Durham and England great, Steve Harmison.
“Roger Tames, Chair of Sport Newcastle, said “For the past thirty years and more, there have been few bigger success stories than the rise of Durham Cricket – from minor county to championship winners and the establishment of a test match arena.
“Last year a health condition meant John had to slow down a tad after 27 years working at the riverside – but needless to say he has still carried on contributing as a mentor and talent scout, continuing his incredible work and dedication to the club and its up and coming players – so its good to see at Durham they believe that not all legends of the club are out in the middle.
“An integral part of establishing Durham as an accepted force in the game has been its ability to produce players at the very highest level.
“Previously, cricket followers never looked to the North East to come up with test stars – but they do now. And that is primarily due to the superb work done by the club’s Academy.
“Not long after Durham won first class status, John began work at the academy, as young coach. He was a decent bat for Northumberland who could bowl a bit too. He turned out for Durham seconds, as well. But coaching was where he would shine.
“When the legendary Geoff Cook retired as Academy Director in 2007, John Windows stepped up and was responsible for developing test match stars such as Liam Plunkett, Mark Wood, Matthew Potts and biggest of all Ben Stokes – and the rest is history”.
As the city’s oldest and most inclusive sports charity, Sport Newcastle is dedicated to supporting grassroots sport and helping young people, clubs, and organisations achieve their sporting dreams.
To date, the charity has made grants of over £1.1 million in grants, supporting thousands of athletes, coaches, volunteers, teams, and clubs across the region with grants from £250 -£1500 to help kick-start the vital early stages of sporting careers and development.
Matthew Squires, added said, “The Sport Newcastle Awards showcase the very best of sport across our region, from the rising stars to the local heroes who inspire us all. Continued support from partners like Tier One Capital enables us to back aspiring athletes, proactive community projects, ambitious clubs, and forward-thinking coaches.”
Paul Crawley, Tier One Capital, fund management presents John Windows with his “Wilkinson Sword Lifetime Achievement Award’ along with former Durham and England great, Steve Harmison.