Schoolchildren across Birmingham got their hands on the coveted The Hundred Trophy as it toured the city to promote a new initiative aimed at introducing more youngsters to cricket.
The roadshow is calling at several schools – where Warwickshire Cricket Board coaches are running sessions for pupils – to raise awareness of the free Dynamos Cricket Intros events taking place in the summer holidays.
Warwickshire Cricket Board aims to run 50 Dynamos Intros sessions for eight to 11-year-olds at council parks, leisure centre and community centres across the region between 25 July and 31 August.
The sessions are free, with free kit provided, and part of a national ECB and Sky Sports funded project aiming to take cricket into more deprived areas and reach children who might otherwise struggle to access cricket.
It’s estimated that around 10,000 youngsters across the country will take part in the scheme.
Warwickshire Cricket’s Community Dynamos Officer, Mohammed Arif, said: “This is a fantastic initiative to provide free cricket opportunities for all children, especially those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and ethnically diverse communities.
“The Hundred has done a great job in bringing thousands of new fans into the sport and inspiring more young players than ever before.
“Dynamos Cricket Intros is building on that and going further by taking cricket to children who need support regardless of background, gender or ability.”
Bears bowler Liam Norwell joined the trophy tour when it stopped at Chandos School, Highgate, on Tuesday (18 July) when he oversaw a keenly contested pupils versus teachers game.
He said: “Any initiative that can expand the reach of cricket and get more children involved has to be a good thing. At Dynamos age it’s all about enjoyment, exercise and developing social skills but it could also be the first step on an amazing cricket career.
“Quite a few of the boys and girls in our youth pathway started off playing Dynamos cricket. It’s a great environment to enjoy sport, make new friends and potentially go on to play at a higher level.”
For a Dynamos Cricket Intros Information Pack click here and to register for a place at one of the summer sessions click here.
Tickets on sale now for The Hundred
Birmingham Phoenix are back! An unforgettable experience, bringing world-class sporting action and excitement to Edgbaston this summer.
Tickets are once again great value with prices set at £5 for juniors aged 3-15 (under 3s free) and adults starting from £19. Tickets selling fast for the home opener against Southern Brave on Saturday 3 August.
