Glam Skipper praises Grass Roots winter coaching Scheme

From Bangor to Chepstow and from Deeside to St. David's, hundreds and hundreds of children will have the chance to learn to play cricket or improve their skills this winter. Any parent with a cricket mad child or just in need of a worthwhile activity to occupy their children during the long dark winter nights will now be able to enrol at the many courses running across Wales.

Newly appointed Glamorgan Captain Steve James remarked:

"I would really urge all parents and children to make the most of this by taking up these opportunities which will offer a tremendous way of life either as a hobby or, who knows they could follow our footsteps here at Glamorgan!"

The eleven coaching associations will be running courses, which will cater for beginners (9+) to those who are on the brink of playing for Wales.

The Director of Cricket Mark Frost said:

"Teaching the basics of cricket and introducing children to a game full of excitement, challenge and interest is a role that the coaching associations have had to increasingly take on with schools activity being relatively sporadic. We're challenging all parents to consider cricket as an all year round activity which will develop their child's skills as well as offer great fun. Any parent can contact its local association to find out more about activities running now and in January.

"All coaching takes place via the Dragon Award scheme, which is a brilliant way of helping both the child progress and the coach to make sure the youngster is getting the best attention," he added.

For more information contact:- cbw@ecb.co.ukNorth Wales: J Huband Conwy Council, Civic Offices, Glan y Don, Conwy, 01492 575366Mid Wales: B Higginson; Lower Llanoley, Llandrindod Wells, LDD1 5NY, 01597823928West Wales: J Cartwright: Trinity College Carmarthen, SA31 3EP, 01267 676797Gwent, Mid Glam: S Watkins: Monmouthshire Council, Cwmbran NP44 2XH, 01633 644553Cardiff: G Paulsen: Cardiff Council, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff CF1 5UW, 02920 873930Vale: 02920 419336