CRICKET is for all youngsters - not just for the lucky few. This is the message coming loud and clear from the Cheshire Youth Cricket Partnership.

Demonstrating that is this team from Chestnut Lodge School, Ditton, Widnes, who successfully competed in the County Kwik Cricket tournament as part of the Partnership programme.

The Partnership is providing cricket coaching and equipment to youngsters from all over Cheshire and parts of Greater Manchester and Merseyside.

The scheme is open to girls as well as boys and to those with special needs.

To that end, 16 special schools are taking part this season together with some 88 primary and 40 secondary schools.

The Partnership is backed by sponsors The Greenalls Group, North and Mid Cheshire Training and Enterprise Council and Sportsmatch, the government organisation that matches private sports funding.

Said Richard Newton, county development officer of the England Cricket Board: "The chance to enjoy cricket should be available to all children, regardless of gender or ability.

"We are particularly pleased that so many children with special needs received this opportunity to play the game."

The Cheshire Youth Cricket Partnership is now into its third year.

It offers young children the facilities, equipment and training to learn more about cricket - vital compensation for the lack of cricket in the current school curriculum.

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