‘Cricket is a fantastic vehicle for building confidence’

A fun-packed summer of sport and excitement is being offered to hundreds of North East children and it’s all completely free.

Free fun with cricket and new friends at the summer camps which are held across Sunderland, South Tyneside, Durham and Hartlepool. | other 3rd party

placeholder image — Free fun with cricket and new friends at the summer camps which are held across Sunderland, South Tyneside, Durham and Hartlepool. | other 3rd party

Durham Cricket Foundation is planning 21 free camps catering for more than 650 children.

Places are free and food will be provided at the sessions which will be held during the school holidays at local cricket clubs and schools across Sunderland, South Tyneside, County Durham, Gateshead, Stockton and Hartlepool.

Children aged 5 to 11 a will get a chance to stay active, make friends and try cricket during the school holidays at no cost to their families.

Places normally cost £50 per child, but thanks to Durham Cricket Foundation and its partners, every place is being offered free of charge alongside a free packed lunch, ensuring money is never the reason a child misses out.

These young lads were having the time of their lives on one of the previous summer camps. | other 3rd party

Children will take part in either All Stars Cricket, for those aged 5-8, or Dynamos Cricket, for ages 8-11, with both programmes focused on building confidence, teamwork and fundamental movement skills.

All Stars participants will also receive a cricket pack including a backpack, bat, ball and t-shirt, while Dynamos participants receive a personalised t-shirt with their name and number.

Scenes from the Summer cricket camp which has so far helped 2,000 children over the years. | other 3rd party

Graeme Weeks, Chief Executive (CEO) at Durham Cricket Foundation, said: "School holidays can place additional pressure on families, particularly when it comes to finding affordable activities for children. We're proud to once again provide hundreds of free places across the region, giving young people the opportunity to be active, try something new and enjoy time with friends during the summer break.

"Cricket is a fantastic vehicle for building confidence, developing social skills and encouraging healthy lifestyles. Through these camps, we want to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience those benefits, regardless of their circumstances."

Laughs galore for the children who took part in a previous summer camp. | other 3rd party

Durham Cricket Foundation has introduced more than 2000 children to cricket through its holiday programmes in recent years, many from families eligible for free school meals, with many going on to join local clubs and community sessions.

The Foundation works in over a third of local primary schools, many in communities where more than 40% of pupils are eligible for free school meals.

Parents and carers can find their nearest session and register online at https://www.durhamcricket.co.uk/foundation/free-sessions-events/free-cricket-summer-haf-programmes/