They are the team behind the team and are there to make sure everything runs smoothly as you cheer on the Black Caps at Saxton Oval this summer.

And many of these unsung volunteers have been doing it season after season because they love the game and want to give something back to it.

Errol Millar is a prime example.

The 71-year-old has devoted more than 30 years to sport as a rugby referee, cricket umpire and Trafalgar Park scoreboard operator. He is still umpiring senior club cricket and is one of the many Saxton Oval stalwarts who put their hand up every year when Sport Tasman calls for helpers.

He and his fellow volunteers will again play a key part in making sure our two cricket internationals over summer are a hit.

They will show you where to park your car, check your bags, help you to your seat and point out where to find everything. They will keep the ground tidy and even assist with getting the covers on and off in the event of a weather break in play.

``I would be at the games anyway but I enjoy being able to do something to help to make them a success,’’ says Millar.

He started off looking after a sightscreen before it was fully electronic but in the last few years he has helped with crowd support and comfort on the embankment, although he says Nelson spectators are well behaved compared to bigger venues.

``It’s much more of a family day here and it is usually too hot to get up to mischief.  It’s more about making sure older people can get up and down the embankment and everyone knows where the facilities are and the area is kept free of rubbish.’’

He enjoys working with the other volunteers. ``I’ve met a lot of good people.’’

Forty-five are required for both the T20 match against the West Indies on December 29 and the one-day international against Pakistan on January 9, while a smaller group is needed for NZ A’s encounter against Pakistan on January 3. This is in addition to a large crew who get the ground ready by doing such tasks as erecting canopies and signage and numbering seats.

Sport Tasman events organiser Jane Miles, whose job it is to assemble the volunteers, says it is usually no problem getting enough people for the cricket.

``This bunch is really keen. They come from all areas and many are retirees who have extra hours to devote to community projects.”

``Many are former cricketers keen to give back to the sport and who want to see Saxton Oval continue to get such matches.  Others do it because they like the interaction with the public and enjoy welcoming visitors to the region, and some do it as it is a great day out where they also get to watch an international game.’’

Volunteers are provided with a uniform, food and drink and there is a follow-up meal as a thank-you.

``We are very lucky to have such a keen and active database of volunteers who are vital to the whole operation and whom we really appreciate,’’ says Miles. ``They are like a big family and there may be others out there who want to be part of this.’’

For more information contact Jane Miles at jane.m@sporttasman.org.nz or ring 03 923 2317.