ECB & Waitrose Aims For Grassroots Boost

ECB and England team sponsor Waitrose is once again inviting clubs nationwide to open their pavilion doors to the local community by hosting a club open day this summer.

England fast bowler Steven Finn officially launched this year’s club open days at Brondesbury CC (Middlesex) coaching local school children at the club.

Over 1,000 clubs are expected to host events during the summer, after last year’s initiative welcomed 9,000 new members, players and volunteers into over 900 cricket clubs. 

The initiative, entering its third summer, encourages clubs to engage with their local community by inviting people to join cricket taster sessions and activities, or even just a drink in the bar.

Club registration is open now via the ECB website (www.ecb.co.uk/clubopendays) with clubs able to choose when to host their event across any weekend during the summer.

As part of the package, participating clubs will again be offered £100 to spend on food and drink from Waitrose to help deliver and fundraise for events. They can also enter a prize draw to win an appearance from three England players later in the summer.

Speaking at the open day, Steven Finn said: “I’ve got great memories from the time I spent at cricket clubs; they are the lifeblood of the sport and can act as a real social hub in the local community. I urge anyone who is interested in cricket to visit their nearest club and find out how they can get involved.”

ECB chief executive officer, Tom Harrison added: “Our Club Open Days initiative has been hugely successful in driving participation at grassroots level. We want to build on the success of last year by inspiring even more players, volunteers and social members to come together at their local club.”

Waitrose head of marketing, Rupert Ellwood commented: “Open Days are the perfect way to find out what your local club is all about. Last year we were lucky enough to support 900 open days, experiencing the passion for cricket at a grassroots level. An integral part of being sponsor of England cricket is to help develop cricket in our communities and once again we are delighted to be supporting events up and down the country with food and volunteers.”