Natwest Cricketforce Returns With Digital Focus
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) 2019 NatWest CricketForce volunteering initiative has launched with a focus on enhancing digital and technological capabilities at clubs.
Tens of thousands of volunteers were joined by England stars Jason Roy, Chris Woakes and Danielle Wyatt in participating in the launch weekend, which featured activities ranging from testing out digital points of sale at cricket venues to improving internet connections at local clubs.
Other projects associated with NatWest CricketForce this year include social areas at clubs with BBQ facilities and big screens for public viewings of major cricket matches.
The ECB also highlighted other projects, such as the reopening of a village cricket ground in Marchington as the new home of Uttoxeter Cricket Club and the refurbishment of Byfleet Cricket Club’s clubhouse.
The ECB’s Interim Director of Participation and Growth, Nick Pryde, said: “Club cricket is the heartbeat of our game and it’s vital we continue to support clubs to help them reach out to their local communities and help them grow and thrive long into the future.
“NatWest CricketForce exemplifies this perfectly and over the weekend an army of volunteers have helped our clubs get ready for a season we will never forget.”
The initiative has grown into one of the largest sports volunteering programmes in the country, with an average of 85,000 volunteers helping out at more than 2,000 clubs every year.
NatWest, which has supported the England and Wales Cricket Board initiative since its launch 2002, expanded its relationship with the ECB in May 2017 to become a principal partner of the governing body.
NatWest Chief Marketing Officer David Wheldon added: “NatWest has a long and proud association with England and Wales cricket. For the last 38 years, it has been our vision to ensure cricket is a game that has no boundaries, and our CricketForce initiative is key to making it easier for everyone to enjoy.
“As we embark on the biggest cricket season in a generation, we feel it’s never been more important to make it easy for everyone, anywhere, to be able to play, experience and follow cricket.
“We are excited for a huge summer ahead where we will also be supporting a national street cricket tournament with our charity partner Chance to Shine, as well as giving NatWest customers greater access to the game with ticket giveaways and exciting events throughout the season.”
