Worcestershire all-rounder Jacques Banton and bowler Mitchell Stanley joined the sessions in Redditch.
On Tuesday evening, the players joined in with over 30 cricketers between the ages of eight and 18 at Redditch’s Wicketz hub, which is based at Redditch Cricket Club.
The players chatted to young cricketers to learn more about the programme, delivered in partnership between Worcestershire Cricket Board and Lord’s Taverners. The programme provides young people in areas of social and economic deprivation opportunities to play cricket weekly and learn new practical skills which will be invaluable in life outside of sport.
Many participants from the session will also be heading to New Road this Friday as guests for the unique doubleheader of T20 action, starting with England Disability XI against Lord’s Taverners, followed by Worcestershire Rapids against Derbyshire Falcons in the Vitality Blast.
Callum James, Worcestershire Wicketz programme lead, beamed, “It was great for the group to get to meet and then play with the pros.
“The players really got involved with the activities, helping out with some drills and even had a bat and a bowl themselves.
“It’s important that participants on the programme have role models to look up to and visits like this are about raising aspirations, but it’s not just about cricket, it’s about hard work and a will to succeed.”
Worcestershire CCC’s Jacques Banton said, “I know that the Club and Worcestershire Cricket Board are passionate about making cricket a game for all within Worcestershire, and it’s been great to see the brilliant work in the community,”
“I’ve really enjoyed helping out and taking part in the session and seeing the genuine happiness playing cricket brings – it makes me incredibly proud to be a part of the Worcestershire Cricket family.
For more information on the Wicketz programme, please click here.
