Bears Roadshow returns for community fun day and league friendlies

The popular Bears Roadshow returns in the coming weeks as Warwickshire takes the Club into the community for friendly matches against local league sides.

Bears men’s squad will be travelling to Kenilworth Wardens CC on Monday 5 June to take on a Birmingham & District Premier Cricket League Select XI.

And on 1 August they’ll face a side featuring top performing Warwickshire County Cricket League players at Sutton Coldfield CC.

Both T20 matches start at 5.30pm but the men’s squad players will be on hand from 4pm to meet with fans, have photos taken and offer some coaching tips.

Bears First Team Coach Mark Robinson said the games are designed to maintain strong connections with community clubs and support grassroots cricket.

He said: “Last year’s games were fantastic. Excellent crowds came along to watch entertaining, competitive games. They were played in great spirit but were tough challenges, we wanted our players to be tested.

“Just as importantly, many young fans got the chance to meet their cricketing heroes as players including Chris Woakes lent a hand in coaching sessions before the game.

“The Club has vowed to make these days regular fixtures in the diary. They show how much we value our local clubs and want to maintain close links.

“Warwickshire is a community Club at heart, we never forget our roots, which is why events like this are so important.”

𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄 🚗

It was great to see so many supporters at @CNWSportsClub last night.

A big thank you to everyone involved. 👏

🐻#YouBears | #Unmuzzled pic.twitter.com/ZUm5EjhVK2

— Bears 🏏 (@WarwickshireCCC) August 10, 2022

Warwickshire’s new Lead Pathway Performance Coach Andy Sutton – a leading wicket taker in the Birmingham League for Barnt Green – will be lining up at Kenilworth against the Bears.

The Birmingham League side will also feature leading players from clubs including Knowle & Dorridge, Leamington Spa, Kidderminster, Harborne and Halesowen.

Andy Wyles, Participation & Growth Manager at Warwickshire Cricket Board, added: “For 11 players from these local leagues to take on some of the biggest names in domestic cricket is an opportunity they’ll never forget.

“The games will also develop a much tighter relationship between the Club and the recreational game. We want the fixtures to turn into prestigious events that can travel around many of the leading club grounds in the county each year.

“The joy on the faces of boys and girls who came along last year shows the value of the Club venturing out of our Edgbaston home.” 

Entry at the venues on the day is just £5 and children under 16 are free.