Legends programme promotes community spirit

The PCA England Legends programme is preparing for another season of supporting grassroots clubs and local communities through raising funds after a memorable 2023 campaign, especially for Brentwood Cricket Club.

The Essex based outfit hosted a Legends fixture in July 2023, drawing in a large crowd of more than 300 as Brentwood’s first team took on Alex Tudor’s side of former England stars.

The entertainment on the pitch was riveting, as the PCA England Legends won by just one run. However, more important than the on-field action taking place was the destination of the money raised on the day.

In this instance, alongside raising money for facility developments, Brentwood CC decided to make a donation to a charity of one local family’s choice.

Former youngster at the club, Milo Shorter, was diagnosed with Leukaemia in October 2020 and has since been receiving treatment at the children’s cancer centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

Brentwood approached the Shorter family and asked what charity they would like the club to make a donation to with part of the funds raised from the Legends fixture and they chose GOSH.

Milo’s father, Ed, addressed the marquee ahead of the Legends fixtures thanking GOSH for their treatment of Milo and thanking those attending the match for their support.

In February this year, Milo rang the bell at Great Ormond Street, signifying the end of his successful treatment.

As well as the donation to GOSH, Brentwood are working on improvements to their ground which often suffers due to a lack of available water in the summer months, making the outfield hard, brown and ultimately less safe.

The club is aiming to invest in a rain water harvesting system which is where rain drops are collected on the pavilion roof, captured in a tank and then redistributed into the ground maintenance.

Brentwood will once again enjoy the benefits of a Legends fixture this year as they look for revenge against Tudor’s side on Friday 19 July.

The primary aim of the Legends has always been to give recreational clubs and schools the opportunity to raise significant funds. In the last six years alone, host clubs have raised over £1 million between them with every single penny being spent at the club’s discretion.

Brentwood Chairman, Paul Webb, said: “We love the whole environment around the Legends games, there’s over 300 people in the marquee all enjoying themselves and desperate to support the club, watch the two teams play cricket and raise money for a charity that means a lot to us at Brentwood in Great Ormond Street.

“The rain water harvesting needs a lot of funding, if we can raise a small portion of that and we can demonstrate that we have a philosophy to make the club greener aesthetically as well as environmentally, then we think that’s really important.”

Milo Shorter’s father, Ed Shorter, said: “When Milo got diagnosed with Leukaemia, it was devastating and all we could think about was, is he going to die?

“You see children at GOSH every day with life threatening illnesses, struggling and it doesn’t feel like a harsh place, it feels like happy place. I don’t know where we would be without them.

“I think the Legends programme is a brilliant concept, anything that raises money for the GOSH charity gives people involved like the PCA and Brentwood the chance to come together and know that they’re doing something for good.

“When people give money they are donating to something that brings children hope and that brings children a future.”

PCA England Legend, Owais Shah, said: “Being a parent myself it makes you realise that your own health and your family member’s health is very important. If you can step forward and help at that point then you will be remembered for a long time and that family will be very grateful but not just that family, the whole community too and that’s where the Legends programme really adds value.”

Find out more about the PCA England Legends programme here.