Melton Mowbray CC join ECB All Stars programme

The programme, aimed at girls and boys aged five to eight years, is encouraging parents to register their children for participating centres across the country.

It is the first nationwide entry-level participation programme for cricket, with the aim of getting 50,000 boys and girls into the sport.

The grassroots initiative starts in May, but once registered, they will receive a cricket back-pack, delivered to their door, including a bat, ball and everything they need to try the game.

They will then start an eight-week programme at their local club, with the emphasis placed on learning to play the game in a fun, safe and inclusive environment, as well as learning the social development skills of team sport.

Each session has been developed with input from Andrew Strauss, Director of England Cricket, and the England performance team, and all participating clubs will be given free All Stars kits, volunteer training and support.

ECB Director of Participation and Growth, Matt Dwyer said: “We have strong 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.

“We also want to make sure parents have a great first experience at the club and give them the chance to have an hour back with their kids every week. We will be encouraging parents to get involved with sessions, whatever their prior knowledge of the game.

“Within weeks of unveiling the programme to clubs we had 2,000 sign up to deliver All Stars Cricket, and this summer we hope to have 50,000 kids trying the sport all over the country.”

Melton Mowbray CC have invested lots of energy into their junior section in recent seasons and now have regular coaching sessions for under 10s, 11s, 13s, 15s as well as seniors.

* Parents can register their kids to take part in the ECB programme at allstarscricket.co.uk