Aston Manor Cricket Club in Erdington scoops a national award for coaching

An grassroot cricket project in Erdington has won a national cricket award in its first year.

The new project established in April at Spring Lane Playing Fields - in partnership with Changing Lives Through Rugby and Erdington RFC - offers youngsters free coaching sessions by local hero Ray Kelly from Aston Manor Cricket Club. They won the Grassroots Cricket Award - which recognises grassrootscricket and the vast army of volunteers who ensure that the sport can be enjoyed by so many at all levels.

Every Thursday evenings and during the school holiday children from the area have been able to take part in the sessions. The project, funded by Birmingham City Council, was initiated by the Rotary Club of Erdington.

The Commonwealth Games 2022 highlighted the role of sport, including grassroot cricket, this summer, and this project is a way forward to keep the legacy of the Games alive.

Why was the Cricket club started?

Chairman of the new Erdington Cricket Club CIC, Gary Dancer, said: “We want more local young people to come along and try both cricket and rugby. We believe that organised sport is a very important part of educational activities, especially rugby and cricket, because they require discipline and team work. These two sports are often difficult to access due to financial constraints on families. All of our coaching is free to under 18’s. We are open to all young people regardless of their background.”

“Rotary has supported Changing Lives Through Rugby for a number of years. We have also now provided two of the directors for this cricket venture and we use our business skills and contacts to support the project and make it work.”

There were others who supported the project as well. Arnold Clark Ltd, Peddimore Trust, Aston Unity Cricket Club and the England and Wales Cricket Board have helped the project out.

Future events for the cricket club

The club is appealing for more donations for a festive community event at the club on 10 December between 12-2pm. The Santa at Spring Lane event will offer craft activities, games and refreshments as well as the opportunity to meet Santa. Go to Erdington Cricket Club website for more information.

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