ECB launches Ashes schools initiative

The ECB has launched a free educational programme for use in primary schools aimed at teaching children about the spirit of cricket and using Ashes-themed lessons to feed into various key disciplines, such as numeracy and literacy.

Called the 'Ashes School Challenge', the interactive programme is being supported by the charity Chance to Shine and Cricket Australia. The initiative, part of the ECB's summer marketing campaign aimed at strengthening grassroots participation, will also see selected schools in the UK invited to take part in a Sister School Challenge, partnering them with a school in Australia.

"There are so many ways in which the Ashes can play a part in the classroom - whether by applying maths skills to the study of scores and averages, understanding how modern cricketers keep fit and healthy, or learning more about cricket's place in the history and culture of both countries," the ECB's managing director cricket partnerships, Mike Gatting, said.

"We'll also be encouraging participating schools to organise Ashes-themed cricket tournaments or fun days as part of the programme which will involve the wider community and give children an opportunity to play the game and learn more about key cricketing values such as teamwork, fair play, respect and leadership."

The Ashes School Challenge is linked to the National Curriculum and will be based around 20 themed lesson plans across multiple subjects, with a free educational resource kit available all interested schools and teachers.