London schoolchildren in action at Lord's

Date released: 17 June 2003

Over 250 schoolchildren were in action on the main ground at Lord's on Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th June 2003 as part of an initiative designed to encourage the playing of cricket in London schools.

Capital Kids Cricket , in conjunction with MCC and The Lord's Taverners, organised the inaugural Lord's Cricket Festival for children from primary and secondary schools from twelve boroughs of London.

Participants rotated between eight stations on the outfield, receiving advice from leading coaches and playing mini-matches. They were also taken on guided tours of the NatWest Media Centre and the England dressing room.

On-field highlights on both days included fast and spin bowling trophies, donated by The Lord's Taverners, MCC trophies for best batting, and fielding awards sponsored by Ribena.

"Lord's may be only a few miles from where they live but it could be in another world so far as most inner London boys and girls are concerned," says former Prime Minister John Major, non-playing captain of the Capital Kids Cricket Club and a member of the MCC Committee.

"The opportunity to be coached and to play on one of the world's most famous cricket grounds will have been an unforgettable experience and one which will hopefully enthuse other children to play or practice cricket during and out of school hours.

"I have always believed that if young energies are channelled in this way, it leads to better and healthier lives, not just for the young but for their families and their community as a whole."