In a new initiative from the England and Wales Cricket Board, All Stars Cricket is the first step in the national pathway for cricket. With fun at its heart, the programme aims to inspire children aged five to eight to take up cricket, provide a great first experience of the game and engage with a new audience of potential volunteers. We are excited to bring All Stars Cricket to life with your help and welcome new players and their families to your club. The year 2017 was the first year for All Stars Cricket and we are looking to build on that this summer. In addition to the great benefits you received last year, such as free equipment and activator training, here is what’s new for 2018:
Dedicated member of staff for the duration of the programme; Enhancements to the ClubSpark online management system to make your life easier such as the ability to upload documents easily and record parent involvement in sessions; Increased marketing support with new assets to use plus a marketing and communications guide to help you promote your session locally. All centres who upload their programme sessions by 31 January 2018 will automatically be entered into a prize draw for a visit by former England captain Michael Vaughan to their All Stars Cricket session.
The All Stars Cricket activator is the key volunteer who will oversee All Stars Cricket at your club, creating a fun and inclusive environment for kids and parents alike. Start your search for those enthusiastic, vibrant and motivated people who will inspire young children and create a fantastic all-round experience.
Although many All Stars Cricket activators will have excellent experience of cricket it is by no means essential – first and foremost, we are looking for people with fantastic personal skills. There are potential activators all around you! Teachers, enthusiastic parents at your local school, junior club captains or role models at your club. The ECB and your County Cricket Board can also provide support if needed.
Once you have found your activator, the ECB will then provide comprehensive face-to-face and online training and support to equip them with all the tools needed, including kit, to successfully implement the programme.
For returning activators, it is not compulsory to attend training a second time – however, it is recommended as the curriculum has been updated based on the feedback of children, parents and fellow activators. The updated programme will be available on the icoachcricket app in March.
All activators are encouraged to join the All Stars Cricket activators Facebook group for additional support and the opportunity to speak to activators across the country. In terms of kit, they will be able to top up their existing activator clothing or select clothing options for others supporting their role.
