a day ago
Bradford now one of FOUR hubs as Yorkshire and Vertu boost community cricket
A major boost for grassroots cricket has been delivered this week as automotive giant Vertu strengthened its ties with Yorkshire County Cricket Club to help expand the successful Cric-Kit initiative, which has already seen great success in Bradford.
The programme, run by the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2022, offering a lifeline to budding cricketers by redistributing donated equipment to communities across the region.
Now, thanks to Vertu's continued backing, a fourth Cric-Kit hub has officially opened in York.
The scheme, which started with a year-long pilot, already operates out of Bradford, Leeds and Sheffield.
Cricket fans and former players have been encouraged to donate unwanted gear, including bats, pads, helmets and more, which the Foundation then refurbishes and reallocates to those facing financial or social barriers to playing.
Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu, said the expansion underlines the company's commitment to supporting community sport across the county.
Vertu have strong tie-ins with Yorkshire County Cricket Club, while they are the current sponsors of the EFL Trophy too. (Image: Recognition PR)
'We are delighted to work with the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation to expand the hugely successful Cric-Kit initiative,' he said.
'Having already helped break down some of the barriers that prevented people from participating in the sport, we look forward to widening the reach of the programme to allow more people to get involved with the creation of the fourth hub.
'This is a central part of the work that the Foundation does in the community, and we share their passion to help boost the number of people who are able to play the game.'
The new York hub will not only increase the initiative's geographical footprint but is also expected to serve hundreds more aspiring cricketers from underrepresented backgrounds.
Sohail Raz, Diverse Communities Manager at the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, welcomed the development.
'We're incredibly proud to see the Cric-Kit initiative extend its reach to a new hub in York, breaking down further barriers and making cricket accessible to all,' he said.
'This expansion would not be possible without the continued commitment of Vertu whose support is helping the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation create a lasting impact across communities.
'Together we're ensuring that no cricketer is held back from playing the game they love because of the cost or lack of access to cricket equipment.'
With cricket participation continuing to grow across Yorkshire, the Cric-Kit scheme is seen as a crucial part of the county's efforts to make the game more inclusive, and ensure everyone, regardless of background, has the chance to take part.
