Charity partnership helping children pursue cricket dreams

Warwickshire are making cricket accessible to disadvantaged children through a partnership with a charity fund that helps youngsters pursue their cricketing dreams.

The Johnners Trust – founded by the widow of cricket commentating legend Brian Johnston – awards scholarships to promising young cricketers in need of financial assistance to fulfil their potential.

Over the last decade 25 grants totalling around £17,000 have been awarded to boys and girls in our youth pathway and Academy system.

The means-tested scholarships – up to £600 a year – help pay for cricket equipment, travel expenses to training, matches or overseas trips, and also competition festival fees. 

Some of the recipients have gone on to land professional Bears contracts with the first team squad.

Warwickshire’s High Performance Manager Paul Greetham, said: “The Johnners Trust has been an invaluable support to some of our players from lower income families.

“It’s meant that youth cricket, which can be quite expensive, has become more accessible as some of those traditional, financial barriers have been removed.

“We’ve been conscious of cost potentially excluding young talent and in recent years the Club abolished winter training and summer playing fees.

“However, these annual grants help contribute towards the sometimes hidden costs of fuel, equipment and occasional overnight stays.”

The Johnners Trust – formerly known as the Brian Johnston Memorial Trust – was founded in 1995 by Pauline Johnston and since 1999 has been administered by the Lord’s Taverners cricket charity.

A Johnners Trust spokesperson, said: “Our scholarships assist promising young cricketers, both boys and girls, who are in need of financial support, and help them achieve their potential and further their development towards County and National representation.

“Some of our previous scholars include England internationals Adil Rashid, Ben Foakes and Olly Stone.

“We’re delighted the Trust is helping youngsters in Warwickshire pursue their goals and making the game accessible to more and more children.”