Compton and Co. coach colts for charity

Date released: 16 November 2007

Forty children from Sheen Park Cricket Club took part in a very special coaching session at MCC's Indoor Cricket School at Lords, organised by Middlesex's Nick Compton.

Sheen Park is a fledgling Colts club, joining the Middlesex League in the 2005 summer.

Since then they have won 17 trophies - including an astonishing nine this summer. Their under-11 side are the reigning Middlesex County League and Cup champions, winning 25 and losing just one match this season.

Compton recently undertook a sponsored trek from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp to raise money for the PCA Benevolent Fund. The coaching session is the last in a series of events organised to raise funds towards Nick's £5,000 target.

Captain's seat

The evening began with a visit to the home and away dressing rooms at Lord's. The kids took the chance to sit in seats usually occupied by the likes of Michael Vaughan, Paul Collingwood, Sachin Tendulkar or Chris Gayle.

This was followed by a stop at the famous Investec Media Centre, where they enjoyed the view from the Sky Sports and Test Match Special commentary boxes.

James Dalrymple passes on some coaching tips Middlesex stars Owais Shah (who recently returned from England duty), Ed Joyce and James Dalrymple then joined Compton and the children in the MCC Indoor School for a two hours coaching session.

The children, aged 8 - 13, were given tips on batting, bowling and fielding and viewed their performance on the Indoor School's new Hawk-Eye™ system.

"I am absolutely delighted that forty boys from Sheen Park cricket club could join me." Compton said.

"They are a dynamic and forward moving club who have won many trophies this year. Their enthusiasm shows they are a club that wants to develop and give themselves the best opportunity of producing top class cricketers.

"Many people aspire to do big things but very few put themselves out there and take the knowledge that is available to them. The youngsters are keen to learn and these are the building blocks to becoming successful."

Fielding practice in the coaching session Director of coaching at Sheen Park CC, Tony Bradshaw, said, "The children jumped at the chance of a coaching session with members of the Middlesex team.

"They really enjoyed Nick telling them about his trek to Everest Base Camp as well as rubbing shoulders with Shah, Joyce and Dalrymple - all England players.

"This was a fun way to raise funds for the PCA Benevolent Fund whilst giving the children a hugely enjoyable evening of coaching and a behind the scenes look at the 'Home of Cricket'."

Each child also received a goodie bag with a signed mini-bat and a photo of them with the Middlesex players.