Budding cricket stars in Paddington will have the chance to train with top-class coaches as part of a summer-long bid to get boys and girls playing for Marylebone Cricket Club’s first ever community youth team.
30 boys and girls aged 13 and under were encouraged to take up bat and ball at the first of Paddington Junior’s weekly training sessions held at Paddington Recreation Ground in Randolph Avenue last week.
Following Marylebone Cricket Club’s team up with Middlesex Cricket Club and Westminster Council, four new teams of under-13’s will receive top-flight training and will also have the chance to tour Lord’s Cricket ground as part of their entry to the sport.
The weekly sessions, which cost £1 per child, will run from 4pm-6pm every Monday throughout the summer and will be led by coaches from Middlesex Cricket Club.
Derek Brewer, Chief Executive of Marylebone Cricket Club, which owns Lord’s Cricket Ground in St John’s Wood said: “It’s a real pleasure to give boys and girls from our local community- many of whom are new to cricket- the chance to learn the sport in a fun and affordable way.”
“This project is part of our work in promoting the sport to those who may not have had the opportunity to play before, and I hope to see many children join Padding Juniors throughout the summer”.
Young players will also have the chance to get involved with arts projects at the ground organized by more than 30 schools.
For more information on Paddington Juniors, see lords.org/community.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here