The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), in conjunction with NatWest, has launched a programme to encourage 10,000 new volunteers into grass roots cricket by 2005, thus providing a major boost to the game at recreational level.

The 'Get Involved' campaign, sponsored by NatWest, encourages parents to support club junior sections and forms one part of the overall programme. An information pack has been produced, as well as a 15-minute video which draws on inspirational messages from current English cricketers. These are available free-of-charge to clubs wishing to increase parental involvement.

In addition, as part of the NatWest Volunteer Support Programme, a number of volunteer Cricket Project Co-ordinators are being recruited and trained. These volunteers will identify key projects at County, District and Club level and match suitable resources - both from individuals and from interested local blue chip organisations - to deliver those projects.

Ed Leverton, ECB Club Development Executive, said, "Volunteers are the life-blood of the game at grass roots level, the unsung heroes of our cricket development. As stated in our National Strategy, we are keen to boost their ranks to improve the game at recreational level.

"Research undertaken in 1999 showed that clubs with parental involvement establised much more successful and healthy junior club sections than those without this support. The 'Get Involved' programme aims to build on this.

"Cricket Project Co-ordinators will boost the capabilities of clubs and organisations and, by drawing on greater resources, they will be able to undertake projects which they previously may have thought impossible."

Abi Searle, Sponsorship Manager, NatWest said, "NatWest is delighted to expand its cricket sponsorship by supporting ECB's new grass roots initiative. By matching roles, tasks and skill sets of parents and volunteers to club-specific projects, junior club structures look set to flourish."

"The development of young players at club level is fundamental to the success of cricket and NatWest is delighted to play a part in the future of the game."

Club cricket will also benefit over the next four years from the production of three new resources: one to help develop junior club cricket, another to aid the set-up of a 'Club Finance & Development Plan' and finally a scheme to recognise and reward best practice in volunteering.

© ECB