Stevenage one of the chosen few

Stevenage are one of only two cricket clubs in Hertfordshire to be selected for a special coaching programme in schools. A hundred clubs throughout England and Wales have been chosen to carry forward the Chance to Shine project which aims to rejuvenate co

Stevenage are one of only two cricket clubs in Hertfordshire to be selected for a special coaching programme in schools.

A hundred clubs throughout England and Wales have been chosen to carry forward the Chance to Shine project which aims to rejuvenate competitive cricket in state schools.

Their role is to engage qualified coaches to provide high-quality cricket programmes through coaching and competitions.

The lead coach for Stevenage is their South African born first team all-rounder Gareth Berg.

The secondary schools involved are Barclay and Thomas Alleyne and the junior schools are Woolenwick, Trotts Hill, Almond Hill, Fairlands and Woolenwick Infants.

Stevenage club chairman Richard Burling said: "The club are thrilled with this development and Gareth is the ideal man for the job.

"Gareth is a high-quality coach and cricketer having played for Western Province before making the UK his home.

"All the schools believe this Cricket Foundation backed project is a fantastic opportunity for them and the club to make a real impact in local cricket.

"The school pupils have the right person to help them develop their cricket skills."

The project supports the town's district programme as well as the club's own development programme.

Berg has now been appointed as Stevenage cricket development coach with the backing of Stevenage Borough Council sports development officer Matt Warren and Stevenage School Sports Co-ordinator Partnership manager Jill Eaton.

This is the first of several new initiatives the club will be promoting as one of the county's lead Focus clubs.

Berg's first project is an Easter Cricket School at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre.

This is for seven to 14-year-old boys and girls next Monday to Thursday (April 10-13) from 10am to midday. More details are available on 01438 215849 or arejaybee@tesco.net

The Chance to Shine initiative has been carefully planned and financed to make an enduring impact.

It was set up by the independent charity, The Cricket Foundation, and began with a successful pilot scheme during England's glorious Ashes summer last year.

Twelve clubs and 75 schools were involved.

Now the net is cast wider, with each of the 100 clubs working with six state schools, both primary and secondary.

Over the next 10 years, the aim is to reach about a third of schools in England and Wales.

For many boys and girls it will be their first experience of playing our summer game.