MCC Spirit of Cricket Challenge
MCC is committed to encouraging young people - particularly schoolchildren - to get involved in cricket. With this in mind, the MCC Spirit of Cricket Challenge was developed.
2008 camp dates
In 2008 the Spirit of Cricket Challenge is visiting: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Devon, Hampshire, Herefordshire, Kent, Lancashire, Glamorgan, Newcastle, Norfolk, Wiltshire and Yorkshire.
The Challenge is a coaching and playing programme designed to introduce cricket to primary schoolchildren, and to encourage them to play the game in the right spirit from the first time they bowl a ball or pick up a bat.
The Challenge began in 1999 by visiting six areas in England. Between 2003 - 2007, a generous Foundation for Sport and the Arts grant allowed the initiative to double in size to include eleven locations in England and one in Wales.
MCC is looking for a sponsor to work with towards its target of doubling the size of the scheme by 2011. Find out more about this opportunity for your company or brand.
The main aims of the Challenge are to provide primary schoolchildren with a fun introduction to cricket, to facilitate the continuation of cricket coaching within schools, and to encourage children to continue playing the game by representing the school team or joining a local club.
Underpinning the project is the continual promotion of the "play hard, play fair" message, widely supported by the game's best players, such as Andrew Flintoff and Brett Lee and, more recently, the Indian Premier League captains.
Coaches & equipment
The Challenge comprises four different stages of activity. Initially, a qualified MCC Spirit of Cricket coach visits a minimum of five schools in each of the participating areas, on at least three separate occasions. During these visits, the coach will introduce cricket-related skills and activities, and organise mini-games between the children.
Kwik Cricket sets are left with each school to encourage the children to continue practising in between coaching sessions, with the aim of attending a tournament against other local schools involved in the Challenge. This adds a competition element to proceedings, and gives the children a goal to work towards.
In addition to the coaching sessions within schools, local teachers (from participating schools and others in the area) are invited to attend a training day. Each teacher is given a coaching manual produced by cricket’s governing body, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and is offered guidance and practical advice on its implementation.
The course is intended to give teachers the skills and confidence to begin, or to continue, coaching cricket in their respective schools.
MCC then works with 'hub' clubs in the 12 areas to host open days, where children can go along and use the club's facilities - with the hope that they will go on to become members.
During the summer holidays, three-day fun cricket camps are held at suitable venues in each area. While every effort is made to encourage youngsters who have taken part in the schools’ skills sessions and tournaments to attend, the camps are also open to any other child who wishes to take part.
Membership funds
During the three days, the children are encouraged to further develop specific cricket skills and to take part in games and competitions. With a view to encouraging future cricket development, any child who has taken part in the Challenge may apply to MCC for funds to cover their membership at a local cricket club.
Many graduates of the summer camps go on to represent local Clubs in the MCC Spirit of Cricket National Under 13 Championships.
The camps are staffed by fully-qualified, experienced coaches, and, on the final day, the Professional Cricketers' Association sends a current player to encourage the children, sign autographs and present prizes.
The MCC Spirit of Cricket Challenge has been endorsed by the Minister for Sport, Gerry Sutcliffe MP, who said:
"Involving children and young people in sport is fundamental to the well being and future health of the nation. Grassroots initiatives play a vital role in this, inspiring children to get involved in sport from an early age.
"The MCC Spirit of Cricket Challenge introduces cricket to those who haven’t played before, giving them the chance to learn more about the game and start developing skills that they can take into the future."
In 2007, the MCC Spirit of Cricket Challenge visited Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Devon, Glamorgan, Hampshire, Herefordshire, Kent, Lancashire, Newcastle, Norfolk, Wiltshire and Yorkshire.
