Kids cricket proving a big hit at Churchtown
MORE than 30 children have taken their first steps into cricket with Churchtown Cricket Club All Stars.
All Stars Cricket is a brand-new initiative from the England and Wales Cricket Board aimed at providing children aged five to eight with a great first experience in cricket.
The scheme focuses on developing children’s movement skills rather than over complicating the game too early.
Free sessions have been running from May at Fleetwood Hesketh Sports Club and the number of children has grown week by week.
Churchtown, who have only previously run senior cricket, worked with the Lancashire Cricket Board in the off-season to set up as a centre and upskill their volunteer coaches.
Every child that registered received a backpack full of goodies including a cricket bat, ball, water bottle, personalised shirt and cap all sent straight to their door.
The engaging sessions have been a huge success and lead to Churchtown Juniors entering their first competitive tournament at Ainsdale CC recently along with the leading clubs from around Merseyside.
Despite their inexperience the side pushed established sides like Formby, Ormskirk and Liverpool all the way and bowed out in the semi-finals.
The sessions continue until mid-September and it’s hoped the core of All Stars squad will remain together in 2018 and make a new Under 9s squad to play regular cricket across the region. The ECB have also confirmed the All Stars will continue next summer.
The Churchtown All Stars have been invited to play at Emirates Old Trafford, home of Lancashire CCC and Test Match cricket venue. A trip is now being arranged for the youngsters to step on the famous turf and show their batting, bowling and catching skills.
Carl Foster, Churchtown All Stars Activator, said: “We have been amazed by the number of children that have joined us for All Stars.
We are a relatively small club, but we’ve focused on being as inclusive and welcoming as possible.
“We started from scratch so it’s very rewarding to see so many children taking part.”
We’ve got the parents and grandparents involved as well and its really valuable time for families to spend together. The emphasis has been on having fun and creating the environment for every child to enjoy their sport.
“The fact that more and more kids are coming along every week shows it’s been successful and I believe All Stars is the launch-pad for more junior activity for our club. I would also like to thank Fleetwood Hesketh, who in partnership with us, have offered first class facilities and a safe welcoming place for the coaches, parents and children.”
Churchtown CC also hold their first official LCB Women’s Soft Ball Cricket Festival on Sunday (August 13th) from 12pm at The Rookery Sports Ground (back pitch).