Youngstars: Lord's Taverners' free community '˜Wicketz' cricket programme in Hartlepool

Wicketz, introduced to Hartlepool in 2015, gives opportunities to young people to take part in cricket and enjoy physical activity regardless of background, circumstances or ability.

Hartlepool Wicketz Development Officer, Cole Pearce, says that Wicketz has played a vital role in bringing the community together.

He said: “Wicketz in Hartlepool has really grown and developed over the last six months, particularly the development of cultures within the sessions.

“We now have participants from so many cultures and backgrounds which has resulted in a much stronger local community and made the experience for the young people involved that much better.”.

In Hartlepool, Wicketz encourages young people from different backgrounds and parts of town to interact with each other.

The Lord’s Taverners works in conjunction with the Durham Cricket Board to deliver Wicketz at two designated hubs in Hartlepool, where nearly 50 young people are now taking part every week.

Wicketz sessions take place every week all year round.

If you would like more information about the project, please contact Cole Pearce on cole.pearce@durhamccc.co.uk.

The delivery of this project has been aided by support from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery (PPL). Players of PPL play with their postcodes to win cash prizes while raising money for charities and good causes across Great Britain and internationally, and their support of the Lord’s Taverners has helped to ensure that Wicketz can be delivered in Hartlepool.