England’s ICC Men’s World Cup winning heroes are encouraging children aged five to eight to follow in their footsteps and experience playing cricket for the first time.

To celebrate England’s historic victory, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is offering 10,000 free taster sessions of the All Stars Cricket programme that provides children with a memorable first experience in cricket.

If your daughter or son enjoyed watching us play and has expressed an interest in cricket, I would encourage you to head down to an All Stars Cricket ‘Have A Go’ session.

Moeen Ali

The ‘Have-a-Go’ taster sessions will be hosted free of charge, first come first served, at over 150 clubs and venues including in Shropshire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire over the course of six weeks. To find your nearest session, enter your postcode at the following link: https://ecb.clubspark.uk/haveago.

ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup winner and Birmingham resident Moeen Ali wants to help unearth the next generation of cricket talent in the Birmingham area by driving youngsters to attend an All Stars Cricket ‘Have-a-Go’ session.

Moeen Ali, said: “Winning the World Cup was so special and it’s only now just sinking in. Seeing first-hand the support from young children at The KIA Oval the following day made us realise the potential impact our win could have on inspiring future generations to pick up a bat and ball.

“If your daughter or son enjoyed watching us play and has expressed an interest in cricket, I would encourage you to head down to an All Stars Cricket ‘Have A Go’ session – it is a fantastic initiative that allows young children to learn the game and develop their passion for cricket. You never know what opportunities it may lead to, you might even lift the World Cup one day!”

All Stars Cricket is open to all boys and girls aged five to eight and each player will receive a free bat and ball, as well as a backpack full of goodies so they can practice wherever they go.

ECB’s Director of Participation and Growth, Nick Pryde said: “We have really felt the effects of the England Men’s team winning the ICC Men’s World Cup in the grassroots game. Interest in All Stars Cricket has been phenomenal, and I am delighted that we are providing 10,000 free places for children nationwide to ‘Have-a-Go’ at the sport.

“Cricket is a great game for young kids to get involved in – it helps them to develop movement and co-ordination skills, learn to be part of a team, understand the importance of respect and most importantly have lots of fun! If your child enjoys the taster session, you can sign them up for the 2020 programme which lasts eight weeks, starting in May. It’s delivered nationwide and we actively encourage parents to get involved too so you also get to enjoy quality time with your kids.”