Cumbria County Cricket will break new ground this week when a party of youngsters fly out to Sri Lanka for a short tour.
Fourteen boys, and 14 girls leave tomorrow for a fortnight’s tour which includes five matches.
Since the tour was first proposed there has been much fundraising by the young cricketers, their family members and the clubs they represent.
Bob Simpson, director of cricket, said: “Making it free for all players, and accessible was the priority. I am absolutely thrilled to say this has been achieved, and every single player and parent has made this happen.
“It is an outstanding achievement, and I am so proud of everyone involved. An awesome £90,000 raised in 12 months is a monumental achievement, and speaks volumes about the communities we proudly live in.
“As for the tour, it will be an incredible experience; a game-changer and will add so much to every player, and coach. This is the first international tour we have been on, and reinforces what Cumbria Cricket wants to achieve across its four strategic objectives.”
David Fallows, male pathway lead, said: “Boys cricket in the Cumbria Cricket Pathway is thriving and this Sri Lanka tour fits nicely at the end of our winter programme and will prepare the 14 boys for the summer ahead.
“We have 14 boys on tour, the youngest, 15 the eldest 19. On their return from Sri Lanka the 14 boys will fit back into their respective age groups for the summer programme playing against other counties locally. Experiences gained in Sri Lanka will be invaluable for the boys.”
Graeme Dodds, female pathway lead, added: “Cumbria Cricket is making great strides with the female game in the county. The introduction of a tour like this shows the passion and ambition for the female game that we will look to grow over the coming seasons.
“We have a great bunch of girls who have bonded in their own friendship circles over the last few years and I’m sure they will embrace every part of the trip and represent themselves and the county to the highest standards.”
Ahead of the trip there’s also been a message from England captain Ben Stokes, who learnt his cricket at Cockermouth.
He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the Cumbria boys and girls to tour such a cricket loving country. They will witness a great passion for cricket wherever they go in Sri Lanka.
“I’ve been on tour a couple times to Sri Lanka and really enjoyed my time there. As a proud Cumbrian cricketer I’m really pleased I have been able to support this tour and wish everyone involved a successful and enjoyable trip.”
The party is due to fly from Manchester early on Wednesday afternoon, arriving around 8.25am on Thursday.
The first match is on Friday, followed by the second on Sunday after which they will have the opportunity to go on safari at the Yala National Park on Monday and Tuesday.
They play the next two games on successive days – Thursday, April 4 and Friday, April 5 with the fifth and final match on Sunday, April 7. They fly home on Monday, April 8.
The boys touring party is: Ollie Greenwood (aged 19, club Penrith); Josh Mackie (16, Millom); Oliver Spedding (16, Carlisle); Josh Brown (18, Cockermouth); Sam Bates (18, Workington); George Willan (15, Penrith and Appleby); Josh Stirling (19, Carlisle); Declan Tyson (18, Millom); Zac Mawdsley (15, Haverigg); Callum High (17, Millom); Dylan Simpson (17, Carlisle); Faizan Ghumman (Furness); Josh Wills (Netherfield); Freddie Scrogham (16, Lindal Moor).
The girls touring party is: Lily King (17, Cockermouth); Grace Irving (15, Netherfield); Jenny Fallows (17, Kendal); Lucy Hetherington (15, Edenhall)’ Maddie Wood (16, Whitehaven); Holly Bellas (17, Appleby); Scarlett Burrow (15, Netherfield); Orla Myers (15, Arnside); Kate Field (17, Cockermouth); Fearne Winder (14, Appleby); Elsie Fox (15, Workington); Eve Bousfield (16, Appleby); Grace Airey (16, Netherfield); Harriet Barker (14, Netherfield).
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