The ECB has announced a campaign to support and encourage cricket clubs across the UK to open there doors to their local community on June 7-9 to help capitalise on the excitement of the Cricket World Cup.

The Cricket World Cup Club Family Days are promoting an open-house policy, with community engagement the main goal.

On the same weekend that England face Bangladesh and India play Australia, clubs will attempt to encourage more players, families and volunteers as part of the ECB’s bid to engage one million children in cricket over the course of the flagship competition, which commences in England on May 30.

Activities will include coaching, taster sessions and soft ball cricket, while some clubs will be showing World Cup matches live. Cricket clubs have also had the chance to apply for an ECB grant of up to £1,000, which is aimed at helping clubs digitise their clubhouses or upgrade their catering facilities.

“The Cricket World Cup Clubs initiative is a great way to celebrate the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and an unforgettable summer of cricket,” said ECB chief executive Tom Harrison. “Your local club will be the best place to share this great event with family and friends.”

ECB announced the date for the weekend with a video featuring former England stars Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell and Ebony Rainford-Brent.

Leigh CC in Lancashire are one of the thousands of clubs taking part. They will be celebrating in style with a match against a special PCA Masters team featuring a host of former England players.

As part of the initiative, clubs are nominating a ‘Champion’ – one member from their club, to coordinate the activities taking place at the events – with prizes on offer for the champions.

Related tags:

club cricketYour Game