The Cooper Associates County Ground played host to another successful Bradford’s Community Cup on Sunday July 30th delivered by Somerset Cricket Foundation.
The Principal partner continued their long-standing relationship with the Foundation as over 250 children from across the county braved the rain to participate in a day of cricket-themed enjoyment at The Cooper Associates County Ground.
The Community competition was created to drive participation within cricket in the Southwest, with Bradfords and the Somerset Cricket Foundation looking to bridge the gap from beginner stage softball cricket and encourage youngsters to develop their skills in the hard-ball format of the game.
Bradfords CEO, David Young explained: “Grass roots sport offers such a great training ground, not just to foster a love of sport, but more intangible skills that prepare youngsters for life ahead of them. As a business firmly rooted in the communities of the South West, and with such enduring presence, we understand the responsibility we have to support that.
“We put a lot of energy into encouraging the next generation as a business and to have the opportunity to support initiatives like these in the communities we serve is an extension of that.”
Following the ECB launch of the All Stars programme, the Bradfords Community Cup was designed to sustain the engagement of young people within the sport.
The All Stars initiative was created to offer children aged five to eight the perfect introduction to cricket, providing an eight-week programme at their local participating centre where the emphasis is placed firmly on learning how to play the game in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.
With the campaign proving a huge success since its launch in 2017 and now nearing its target of getting 50,000 boys and girls excited by the game, the Bradfords Community Cup was inspired by a similar aim for children aged eight to eleven looking to develop their cricket skills.
Budding young cricketers from Under 9s age groups defied the weather to compete in both girls and mixed teams, representing clubs from across Somerset, with each side enjoying the chance to play on the hallowed turf at the Cooper Associates County Ground in front of friends and family.
Enabling children to play cricket on the outfield at Somerset County Cricket Club represents dreams of many young players across the region.
The second annual Community Cup saw all players return home with a medal for their efforts on a day where the participation levels soared despite the adverse weather.
In the in the lead up to the event, clubs from across the county had been involved in 14 different festivals to decide which teams were lucky enough to make it through the final day, with building suppliers Bradfords continuing to strengthen their relationship with the Club that began in 2021.
All supporters were able to watch the players wear specially designed t-shirts during the day, with those involved treated to some extra gifts courtesy of Bradfords.
Somerset Women’s and Girls Development Manager, Colette Gooding, expressed her delight after the success of this year’s cup.
“It’s a great opportunity for the young people of Somerset to be inspired and develop a long-standing passion for the game,” she said. “Last year saw a couple hundred children take part, so it was brilliant to see that number rise this year.
“Principal sponsor Bradfords had great representation, bringing in other activities as well as cricket to make it a very family-friendly day.”
The Cooper Associates County Ground and all those at the Somerset Foundation would like to reiterate thanks to Bradford Building Supplies for providing another hugely successful community event this year.
