Northants launch primary schools tour

By Paul Bolton, County News Correspondent

Northamptonshire players have started a three-month tour of primary schools around the county where they are promoting the importance of sport to thousands of aspiring young cricketers.

All-rounder Steven Crook, who is back with Northamptonshire after a stint with Middlesex, started the educational programme by visiting Lings Primary School with former captain Andrew Hall, while Scotland batsman Kyle Coetzer and new one-day captain Alex Wakely are also getting out and about as part of the county club’s community programme.

Seam bowler Luke Evans was the special guest at Abbey Primary School earlier this week where he spoke to pupils about being a professional cricketer. “I would like to thank all at Abbey Primary for making me feel so welcome. It is always nice to spend time in the schools, hopefully providing inspiration for the Steelbacks of the future,” Evans said.

“As cricketers it is very important to connect with the local community. Some of the youngsters I spoke to are already keen on cricket and that is reassuring for the future of cricket in Northamptonshire.”

Northamptonshire are offering free junior memberships to under-16s this year as part of a drive to build the next generation of county cricket supporters.

“We are keen to play our part in promoting healthy living and the importance of sport to children, and these school visits are just one of many initiatives to help increase the club’s profile in the local community,” said Northants chief executive David Smith.

Date: 30/01/2013 08:30:00 by Paul Bolton
In: Today | Northamptonshire |