The Primary Club sponsors next generation of blind cricket

Funds talent programme for young blind cricketers

The Primary Club is helping to safeguard the future of blind cricket by donating funds to the London Community Cricket Association’s youth development programme.

This provides talented young partially-sighted cricketers with the necessary support to excel in their sport with the ultimate aim of playing for England.

The scheme enables coaches to identify talent and provide the necessary coaching, training and mentoring to help youngsters achieve their maximum potential. Funding from the Primary Club helps to cover the costs involved with running the scheme such as ground rent, net hire, travel and equipment.

"It is critical that partially sighted youngsters have the same opportunity as fully sighted children to follow their dreams and fulfill their potential," commented Andy Dalby-Welsh, programme coordinator. "This programme plays a vital role in making that possible by nurturing talent and providing the support that mainstream schools are unable to give to visually impaired pupils. Since starting the scheme three years ago we’re absolutely delighted that two of our youngsters have tried out for the England squad. This just goes to show that our programme is working and the potential contribution it can make to blind cricket."

"Life for blind children is difficult enough let alone being unable to reach their full potential due to a lack of support," added Derek Underwood, patron of The Primary Club. "We firmly believe that every partially sighted young person should be able to nurture their talents, and schemes such as this are absolutely critical for making this possible. With our strong cricket connection it’s vital that we help nurture budding young blind cricketers and keep England’s strong blind cricketing tradition alive."

The programme currently operates in Greater London and Woking incorporating youngsters at both specialist and mainstream schools. There are currently four under 16s teams in the scheme – Surrey, Kent, Essex and ‘mainstream schools.'

London Community Cricket Association aims to use cricket to improve the lives of individuals and communities.