Tenterden CC chosen as 2015 NatWest Cricket Force national showcase

Kent will host the national showcase for NatWest Cricket Force, mobilising English cricket’s army of volunteers in the grassroots game.

As the scheme heads into its 14th year, the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will launch at Tenterden Cricket Club on Friday 27 March.

Thousands of cricket clubs will gather volunteers from their local community to enhance, maintain and improve club facilities ahead of the new season.

After filling in an expression of interest back in the autumn, Tenterden was identified as the club with the most potential to enhance their club from the inside out.

Ian Price, project manager and club treasurer: “This event has provided renewed vigour and intensity from club members and is has also helped us to increase the profile of the club within the town and local community.

“Most importantly it has grown our relationship with Kent Cricket and our local secondary school, Homewood.”

NatWest CricketForce is a national initiative that involved more than 2,000 clubs in 2014 and is supported by building materials retailer Jewson, who offer clubs who open an account via the ECB a £50 credit with an additional £350 to spend in store.

Kent Cricket community director Andy Griffiths said: “All players start their cricket careers at local clubs and it is crucial that we support the game’s development.

“Good facilities and a fun environment can be the difference between youngsters staying with cricket or not and NatWest CricketForce helps make clubs a real focus for community sports activities and volunteering opportunities.

“We have seen clubs do more for themselves in a weekend than they had for years before. It made a real difference to clubs including increased revenue, increased participation and a great sense of community spirit.”

More than 100 volunteers are expected at Tenterden on March with helpers from Kent Cricket and ECB taking part in painting, strimming and the rehanging of nets for juniors to practice in.

Anybody who would like to come and support on the day at Tenterden should contactian.price@aspinallhomes.co.uk

The following day (Saturday 28 March), dozens of Kent clubs will be out in force sprucing up their ground and pavilion in preparation for an Ashes summer of cricket.

For more information about how your club can get involved, please e-mailjames.moss.kent@ecb.co.uk

VIDEO: See England captains Alastair Cook and Charlotte Edwards in the 2013 NatWest CricketForce national showcase