Town ready for All Stars

CRICKET

BRIDGEND Town will offer the exciting All Stars Cricket initiative for children this summer, writes Tony Poole.

All Stars Cricket is a nationwide programme that the England Cricket Board (ECB) recently launched, and the programme will start in Newbridge Fields during May and operate for eight weeks.

It’s designed to inspire children of five years of age up to eight to play the game in a safe environment.

Fun is a key element in the cricketing experience for these young cricketers, and the main aim is to make them lifelong lovers of the game.

Bridgend Town have the full backing of the ECB with equipment and resources provided for free.

There will be volunteer training, including parental engagement, and the ECB will also cover all administrative costs.

Kit for volunteers is also provided and also on offer are free Test Match and One-Day International tickets for children.

“We’re now looking to recruit volunteers to oversee All Stars Cricket centres,” said Matt Dwyer, ECB director for participation and growth.

“It will take a collective effort to deliver this programme and that’s the reason for us asking all our clubs and volunteers across England and Wales to get behind the programme.’’

All Stars Cricket is a T20 influenced game, providing active and dynamic fielding, while also providing a balance of the key elements of batting and bowling.

Clubs can provide All Stars Cricket if they have a child welfare officer, an organiser in possession of a DBS check, a trained first-aider on site and appropriate insurance meeting ECB requirements.

“We’ve met regulations and are now look- ing forward to offering All Stars Cricket this summer,” said Bridgend Town welfare officer Rachel Evans.

“All Stars Cricket isn’t for every club, but it’s a superb way of introducing children to the game while also sustaining teams and raising the profile of clubs.”