Corbridge’s coaching sessions have real Star quality
THE England Cricket Board’s ECB All-Stars programme for five to eight-year-olds at Corbridge Cricket Club has been re-organised to provide holiday activities for the village’s children.
Last year 93 youngsters attended on Friday nights from May-July but due to Covid 19 this year’s programme was postponed.
However, following the relaxation of lockdown restrictions, the Tynedale club decided to start daytime activities during the summer holidays.
It split sessions into three separate camps with half an hour between each one to sanitise their equipment and ensure social distancing.
A club spokesman said: “The sessions did bring a sense of normality and fun back to the children’s lives after lockdown.
“Thanks go to volunteer coaches Jen Wilkes, Dan Craigie, Katie Chomse and Ciara Boaden for their involvement.” ■■UNDER-11 team Blyth Bobcats is going from strength to strength - much to the delight of Blyth Cricket Club’s Surj Singh.
Youth development leader Singh said: “The club was in serious trouble.
“It had a declining playing membership numbers and was unable to attract youngsters.
“After playing at Blyth for more than 30 years I thought it was time to put something back into a club which has given me so much.
“My wife and I decided to set up and run the junior section and build it up from scratch.
“Three years down the line we have managed to engage kids from the two and surrounding areas who are now regularly playing cricket.
“Our success and dedication was recognised by us winning the ‘All Stars Cricket Centre of the Year’ in 2018 and our success at the NatWest Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards.
“Our current success is down to the fantastic parents and volunteers who are providing a backbone to the junior section.
“We have also managed to secure a sponsor, Coastline Ciccarelli’s of Blyth, and without them we would have been unable to provide training and playing equipment and clothing.”