Local MP promotes youth cricket opportunities in Ashes summer

Central Devon MP Mel Stride visited Bovey Tracey Cricket Club on Friday to promote local opportunities for youngsters to play cricket this summer.

Mel met with Club Chairman Andy Bishop and Devon Cricket Club & Community Coach Niall Leahy, who delivers free cricket training to children in state schools in South Devon, funded by national charity Chance to Shine. The trio spoke about the huge progress being made in getting more girls in Devon to take up the sport and Niall briefed Mel on the youth programmes available at clubs in his constituency. Many run the official England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) All Stars and Dynamos programmes which cater for 5-8 and 8-11-year-olds, and others run their own youth sessions.

Niall said:

“Cricket is a fantastic sport, which develops key skills, builds confidence and encourages teamwork. Alongside my work in schools, I currently deliver on the Lord Taverner's SEND programmes and I have been running sessions for asylum seekers in Torbay, so it really is a game for everybody. Any primary school in South Devon that would like me to do some free coaching in their school should contact me on 07508 893666.”

Andy said:

“We are very proud of the set-up we have here in Bovey but there are many other great clubs in Devon so wherever you live, please think about giving your children the opportunity to play cricket this summer. They will have a wonderful time out in the sun enjoying a variety of fun and healthy games and activities.”

Mr Stride added:

“Lots of cricket clubs within Central Devon provided All Stars or Dynamos programmes last year, including Ashburton, Belstone, Bovey, Bradninch, Chagford, Hatherleigh, Sandford and Thorverton. Most if not all are planning the same for 2023. I would urge parents to find out more at https://www.devoncricket.co.uk/AllStars or https://www.devoncricket.co.uk/Dynamos.”

The All Stars and Dynamos programmes run for eight weeks over the summer. For around £40 children can enjoy eight one-hour sessions and receive their own bat, ball, backpack and personalised t-shirt.