Can you support free cricket programme for Eastbourne youngsters?

Eastbourne Cricket Club is launching a Forward Drive summer prize draw to raise vital funds for their juniors.

Last year, in difficult times for all sports clubs, £500 was raised for the club. But their Forward Drive coaching scheme has been hit hard and has only just restarted.

It is a free initiative open to all and had 50 four to 11-year-olds taking part recently. A club spokesman said: “Cricket isn’t a cheap sport but our scheme, Covid permitting, runs all year indoors and out.

“We don’t want to exclude anybody so we offer it to all. Everybody gets a hoodie, a cap and free coaching from our wonderful team led by the awesome ‘Hacks’. Paul Hacker, a cricketing legend in these parts, co-ordinates the coaches superbly so everybody leaves happy. We’ve decided to run our 2021 summer prize draw with the benefits going to Forward Drive.

“Tickets will be on sale throughout June, July and August but first we need high-quality prizes. So far we’ve had BatsOut Cricket, The Beach Kitchen, LT Training, Williamson Boucher Cricket, Wolf Cricket and The Sporting Jewellers offering prizes. All can be seen on our social media.

“But if this is to be more successful we’re looking for more. If you’re a local vineyard with a spare bottle of wine, a local shop willing to offer a voucher, an individual who like to donate a shopping voucher, we’ll be very grateful. We’ll support you through our social media but ultimately the youngsters will benefit from Eastbourne Cricket Club offering free Cricket to all youngsters.

“If you’d like to get involved email [email protected] or send us a message via our Twitter or Facebook pages.”