Prior & MCC challenge Kent's talent

Date released: 27 August 2008

England wicket-keeper Matt Prior will join Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in Kent on Thursday 28 August, aiming to unearth the next generation of cricketing talent during a three-day cricket camp for local children.

Prior, England’s One Day International wicket-keeper/batsman (and an MCC overseas tourist in 2003), will join MCC Secretary & Chief Executive, Keith Bradshaw and Club Chairman, Charles Fry, at the County Ground in Kent to offer tips, answer questions and sign autographs for the children.

Children enjoying their cricket at a Spirit of Cricket camp The MCC Spirit of Cricket Challenge is now in its 10th year.

The initiative is aimed at 8-12 year olds, and is committed to bringing cricket to children who otherwise may not have the opportunity to play it.

The camp in Kent is the final camp of 13 which have taken place in 12 areas of the country.

Since 1999 more than 135,000 children have been introduced to cricket at their school; over 2,000 teachers have been trained to coach, 9,250 children have participated in the inter-schools festivals and 9,450 have been involved in the Summer Camps.

As important as the skills they learn is the way they are encouraged to play the game - in a fair, respectful and competitive manner.

Furthermore, MCC’s Spirit of Cricket campaign is supported by cricketers of all ages and abilities around the world, from the summer camp in Beckenham to the glamorous Indian Premier Twenty20 League.

Fun & fair

Bradshaw: Grateful to for PCA's support Keith Bradshaw said: "This the final instalment of our summer-long MCC Spirit of Cricket Challenge and, thanks to the PCA (Professional Cricketers Association) for arranging professionals to attend the camps, we finish on a high.

"The camps are a great way for kids to learn how to play cricket in a fun and fair manner and the fact that so many children attend shows how valuable they are.

"It is fantastic for the promotion of the Spirit of Cricket that international players take time out to endorse the campaign and encourage kids to play hard but fair, and MCC is very grateful to Matt for giving the youngsters his time ahead of the ODI at the Oval.

"I’m sure it will be an experience they remember for a long time and hopefully it will inspire them to continue to play the game in the years to come."