Build it and they will come: Young cricketers get their own ‘mini’ Oval
The before and after pictures tell their own story.
What was a sadly-neglected playground has become a welcoming splash of colour which should lure plenty of children to play cricket not a million miles from the famous Kia Oval ground.
London Spirit’s ‘The Hundred’ star Kieron Pollard, Oval Invincibles’ Kira Chathli and Sky Sports presenter Jacqueline Shepherd were on hand to unveil the new cricket wicket in Lambeth’s Mawbey Brough Estate, Kenchester Close.
Sky Sports joined forces with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Lambeth council to make it happen. The total bill for the project is not being disclosed but has not cost Lambeth council anything.
Sky Sports and the ECB are entering the second year of Dynamos Cricket Intros – an initiative offering free cricket courses to children across the country who might not have access to the sport.
Free bats and balls have been donated to the local community centre for visiting children to use whilst playing in the playground. Children can collect it from Wheatsheaf Community Hall, Wheatsheaf Lane, off South Lambeth Road.
They can also scan a QR code to access fun videos on the Countdown Cricket app, helping them get a game started and encourage further play.
Former West Indies all rounder Pollard said: “It’s a great initiative. I think it’s fantastic as a kid to get an opportunity to enhance your skills.
“It’s very very important cricket is accessible, that’s the major thing. Interacting with the sport especially when you have the opportunity to come down here and do it for free and exercise your talents, I think that’s fantastic.”
Jack Eatherley, of Sky Sports, said: “Dynamos Cricket Intros is a scheme we designed with the ECB to address barriers that might stop children getting into the sport.
“As we enter the second year of this initiative, we are delighted to be working with Lambeth council on this pilot project and can’t wait to see this first playground be enjoyed by everyone.”
Councillor Claire Holland, leader of Lambeth council, said: “This is a very welcome investment in our borough and our young people.
“I am delighted the wicket is now completed, and open for local children to use and enjoy. I’m sure it will be very popular.
“The goal of providing better sports facilities for our children and young people, in their local areas, is what first got me into local politics.”
Main picture: An area transformed (Pictures by: RPM)
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