Pupils have a good innings at cricket day

Tuesday, 23 June 2009

A group of former international cricketers including Jeff Thompson (Australia), Dean Headley (England), Stuart Law (Australia) and Sky Sports commentator Nick Knight (England) recently led a Sky Sports Living for Sport cricket masterclass for young people from Bishop Challoner Catholic Collegiate Girls School in London.

Fourteen young people from Bishop Calloner Catholic Collegiate Girls School involved with the Sky Sports Living for Sport scheme were taken through some cricket basics at the Oval indoor school which was overseen by ex-Essex captain and qualified coach, Paul Prichard.

During the session, the budding young Flintoffs and Pietersens also got the chance to test their skills against Nick Knight (who opened the batting for England in Tests and one-day internationals), Dean Headley (who famously bowled England to an Ashes test victory over Australia at Melbourne in 1999), Geoff Thompson (regarded by many as the fastest bowler of all-time) and Stuart Law (ex-Australian run-getter who is still playing for Derbyshire).

Nick Knight, former England opening batsman and current Sky Sports cricket commentator said:

“The best thing about England’s Ashes win in 2005 was that it inspired youngsters to take up the sport. There are so many positive social skills that can be learnt playing team sports and they also help build the confidence of youngsters. I’m really looking forward to getting a bat in my hand and helping some of the young people from the Sky Sports Living for Sport scheme to learn some new skills. I’m also hoping that this summer’s great exhibition of cricket can inspire even more young people to take up the game.”

Sky Sports Living for Sport is a programme for secondary schools in the UK that uses sport to motivate and inspire young people who are at risk of opting out of school life.

Click here for more information about Sky Sports Living for Sport