Rochdale Cricket Club identifies new way to bring junior players to club

Rochdale Cricket Club has identified a new way to bring junior players to the club through an English Cricket Board-supported initiative, and says the move would benefit clubs across the country.

Chance to Shine is a national charity which receives funding from the English Cricket board; it brings cricket to thousands of young people aged eight to 14 who traditionally face barriers to getting active.

Delivered in partnership with Your Trust, Empowering Minds and Lancashire County Cricket Club, Rochdale Street takes place every week at the local leisure centre welcoming up to 70 young people every week, many of whom are from ethnically diverse communities.

After needing more junior players for the U9 and U11 teams, Rochdale’s chairman Ian Gilbertson got in touch with Lancashire County Cricket Club, who mentioned the Chance to Shine programme.

 

 

Discovering that there isn’t anywhere for the players to go when they get older, Rochdale has now taken on three new players for the U11 side who have built up their skills through Chance to Shine.

He said: “Chance To Shine is crucial to enable the pathway from street cricket up to club, county and potentially international.

“We have taken three U11s into our club squad and the boys were invited for trials where the children impressed; they are now into their sixth week on a Sunday at the club.”

 

 

Rochdale Rotary made a donation, allowing for the purchase of kit for the new players.

Ian continued: “This should be replicated round the country. The kids develop massively when they come to the club, and they’re committed after taking part in Chance to Shine.

“Other clubs should also link up to find their future stars.”

Rochdale Cricket Club has been sponsored 10 years this year by Recruitment Solutions North West.

Ian added: “We are looking for donations to continue to good work of the cricket club.

“We do need major help and investment because it’s the main club in town; it’s the town’s cricket club.”

Rochdale has also made links with Lancashire County Cricket Club, and will be running a six-week AllStars cricket course for younger children aged five to eight at Meanwood and Sacred Heart Primary Schools. The AllStars course runs from 5 May to 23 June.

Anyone wishing to donate can contact Ian directly, 07384 216 469 or email iangilbertson70@aol.com