All Stars Cricket, the ECB’s programme to inspire the next generation of five to eight year-olds, is back with over 2,000 clubs across England and Wales taking part this summer.
37,000 children enjoyed the first year of All Stars Cricket and this year, 20,000 have signed up with more than six weeks remaining until the programme begins in mid-May.
All Stars Cricket is all about ensuring that kids and their families have a great first experience of the game down at their local club.
Year two of the programme kicked off at Edgbaston Cricket Ground with 80 local participants, many from nearby Kings Heath Cricket Club, enjoying a mass All Stars Cricket session. They were joined by current and former stars including England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan, World Cup winning wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor and former England internationals Isa Guha and Michael Vaughan.
Matt Dwyer, ECB director of participation and growth said: “The fact that 20,000 parents have already signed up their kids for All Stars Cricket is incredibly encouraging. We are introducing a new generation of cricketers to the game and that starts with a great first experience at their local club. We will follow that up by introducing formats and ways to play to ensure that young people are having a quality, fun game every time they play.”
Eoin Morgan added: “The first time you experience the game is a moment you will never forget. Tens of thousands of kids have that to look forward to and I can’t wait to see hundreds of them at England games over the summer.”