YOUTH cricket teams have been bowled over by support from a Hampshire-based fresh produce company.
Vitacress Salads, an Andover company best known for its salads, has sponsored the youth teams of the St Mary Bourne Cricket Club (SMBCC).
It said the £2,500 sponsorship is part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the community in St Mary Bourne, with funds providing playing shirts for the club’s rapidly expanding youth cricket teams.
Since its inception in 2021, SMBCC has swiftly become the fastest-growing youth cricket club in Hampshire, with more than 30 teen and adult coaches, 170 young cricketers and an increasing number of young female players.
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The rise in female involvement comes at a time of heightened interest in women’s sports across the UK, following the success of England’s women’s football team at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Female players now make up 35 per cent of the club’s youth membership, with two dedicated girls’ teams introduced this year, which has also inspired a new SMBCC women’s team to start. The club’s impact is also evident in the wider Hampshire cricket scene, with many SMBCC youth players now representing the county in their age groups.
Additionally, with the ’Summer of Sport’ taking place this month, there is growing enthusiasm for cricket, especially among young players inspired by the achievements of athletes globally. This renewed interest is mirrored at SMBCC, where young players are developing skills that could see them on the international stage in the future.
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Andrew Eastwood, managing director at Vitacress Salads, said: “It is an absolute privilege to be involved in the inspiring movement happening at St Mary Bourne Cricket Club. At Vitacress Salads, we are always keen to support the local community, and to see first-hand the success of local talent is inspiring. We can’t wait to see what the club achieves next.”
2024 has been a very successful season for the club with both the girls and boys U11 teams winning their respective Hampshire cricket leagues. The club submitted 7 teams into the Hampshire youth cricket leagues in 2024 and have played over 90 youth matches as a club this season. As well as providing a weekly community event and BBQ, bringing local families together.
Jonny Orange, who founded the youth cricket club in 2011, said: “We started the youth cricket club here, and in just four summers, we’ve grown from zero to over 170 kids. We couldn’t have done it without the support of our coaches, amazing helpers and of course, our sponsors, so want to say a public thank you to Vitacress - we really appreciate the support.”
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