Community And Charity Initiatives Boosted By England Player Support — 10/11/2005

While the England cricket team have been enjoying success on the field, many youngsters and charities have been enjoying the help and support given by the squad away from the playing arena.

Team England In The Community

The role of an England cricketer extends to beyond the boundary, with time spent participating in off-the-field activity increasing in recent times.  The concept of Team England in the Community, successfully coordinated by the Professional Cricketers’ Association, helps fulfill the aim of the players to support many worthy causes and, in particular, cricket in the community.  Team England in the community works on a variety of initiatives, alongside ECB sponsors and other charitable organisations, to promote the sport and encourage widespread participation.

Events

This summer, Team England in the community has supported a number of events for thirteen separate organisations, including the following;

• Launch of the “Chance to Shine” campaign in Bethnal Green. Attended by Matthew Hoggard, Andrew Strauss and Steve Harmison. Matthew Hoggard is the face of the initiative, which aims to rejuvenate cricket in state schools.

• The NatWest Interactive Roadshow, which travels nationwide throughout the summer into community venues - over 17,000 children have taken part in the last 3 years.

• NatWest CricketForce, a nationwide volunteering initiative, run by the Development Team at the ECB, which encourages cricket club supporters, friends and family, to give up their time to undertake major renovation projects at their local cricket club. Andrew Strauss, Geraint Jones, Ashley Giles, Vikram Solanki Matthew Hoggard and James Anderson have all lent a helping hand to this cause.

• The Lord’s Taverners celebrated the 125th anniversary of England v.Australia (The Ashes) in England, with England team members, celebrities and members of the public participating in a 1000 mile fundraising walk around the country. Special events attached to each leg involved England team Q and A’s, with funds raised dedicated to regenerating cricket in state schools.

• The PCA’s own Team England in the Community events are linked into the npower Test matches. By allowing access to international cricketing heroes, it is hoped that all children involved will be inspired to continue with the game and strive to succeed to their highest ability.

• Memorabilia signing helping various charities.  Donations so far have helped to raise over £8000 for such charities as the DEC Tsunami Appeal, The Primary Club and The Princes’ Trust.

Worthy Causes

England batsman Andrew Strauss said, ‘By supporting these initiatives, we the players, can generate the essential awareness and profile needed for these worthy causes to succeed.