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The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have launched the first nationwide entry-level participation programme for cricket, with the aim of getting 50,000 boys and girls excited by the game this year
The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today launched the first nationwide entry-level participation programme for cricket, with the aim of getting 50,000 boys and girls excited by the game this year.
A new generation of families will be introduced to cricket through All Stars Cricket, a major new grassroots initiative which starts in May.
All Stars Cricket will be delivered through local cricket clubs and centres across England and Wales throughout the summer, giving 5-8 year olds their first experience of the game.
From today (Monday 20 March) parents can register their kids to take part via allstarscricket.co.uk. After signing-up, boys and girls will have a cricket ‘back-pack’ delivered to their door with a bat, ball and everything they need to try the game for the first time.
They will then start an eight-week programme at their local participating centre, with the emphasis placed firmly on learning how to play the game in a fun, safe and inclusive environment. Children will also learn the social development skills that team sport brings.
“We have big ambitions to significantly grow the game and this programme is all about putting a bat and ball in the hands of more children at an earlier age. First and foremost, we want to make playing cricket a fun and enjoyable experience for children and give them a passion for the game to last a lifetime.
Within weeks of unveiling the programme to clubs we had 2,000 of them sign up to deliver All Stars Cricket and this summer we hope to have 50,000 kids trying the sport all over the country through this exciting nationwide programme
Matt Dwyer, ECB Director Of Participation and Growth
Each session of the 8-week programme - developed with input from Director of England Cricket Andrew Strauss and the performance team - will give children the basic skills they need to develop a lifelong love of cricket.
ECB will give participating centres free All Stars kits, volunteer training and support via a central marketing campaign, celebrating ‘Big Moments’ as children take their first steps in the game. The programme reflects ECB’s strategic framework for growing the game at every level.
As a parent, I’ve also seen how tough it can be to get kids interested in sport especially given the amount of activities competing for their time. Finding a way for cricket to appeal to kids and to get them active is more important than ever.
We are bringing cricket to the front door of kids and parents across England and Wales. I can’t wait to see the positive impact this will have on clubs and the wider game.”
Michael Vaughan, Former England Captain
England men’s and women’s stars Jonny Bairstow and Lauren Winfield and Ashes winning legend Michael Vaughan are backing the programme which will be formally launched later today at London’s ArcelorMittal Orbit in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Confirmed Participating Clubs In Hampshire
Aldershot, Alton, Amport, Andover, AWE Tadley, Bashley (Rydal), Basingstoke & North Hants, Bishop's Waltham, Bransgore, Broughton, Cadnam, Calmore Sports, Cove, Emsworth, Everley, Fair Oak, Fleet, Grayshott, Hartley Whitney, Havant, Headley, Hedge End Junior, Hook & Newnham Basics, Hursley Park, IBM Hursley, New Milton, Old Netley & Highfield, Paultons, Petersfield, Portsmouth & Southsea, Portsmouth, Pylewell Park, Sarisbury Athletic, Sparsholt, Steep, Stratfield Turgis/Hartley Wespall, Sway, Tichborne Park, Waterlooville, Yateley.
