International Stars Coach Local Children
Somerset County Cricket Club, Somerset Cricket Foundation, the ECB and the PCB worked together recently to give local children the opportunity to enjoy a never to be forgotten experience at the Cooper Associates County Ground.
Although the highly anticipated Women’s ODI between England and Pakistan was abandoned due to the rain, the weekend wasn’t a complete washout because 40 children from the County’s club network joined Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Filer, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana and Sadaf Shamas for a free coaching session on the afternoon prior to the scheduled fixture.
Regarding the event, Lauren Filer said: “It was amazing really, not only to be able to coach the kids but to do it on a ground that means so much to me. Credit to Somerset and everyone who organised the event for making that happen. It was a really special day for the kids which I know will stay with them forever.
“For me it’s quite humbling really to be able to do that and reminds you what an amazing platform you have as an England player. We trained for over and hour and signed autographs alongside Tammy and the Pakistani players. It was just a really cool day.”
Following the event, SCCC Media & Community Executive, Spencer Bishop said: “Enormous thanks has to go to the England and Pakistan teams and also to the Somerset Cricket Foundation for making the vision that we all had for this event into a reality.
“I can’t speak highly enough of the players and everyone who was involved in planning and staging this event. To see so many young people getting the chance to train with their idols at the home of Somerset County Cricket Club was something very special.”
Somerset Cricket Foundation Managing Director, Jon Bendle added: “It was fantastic to deliver this event in partnership with the Club and the elite players from both international teams. We regularly talk about inspiring the next generation of cricketers, so to be able to host this calibre of event for the young people of Somerset truly does provide that inspiration and ignites the passion for cricket in our young people. The players were amazing with the children, providing lifelong memories of their time on the outfield at the Cooper Associates County Ground.
“A special mention for Amber Casely, SCF Women’s & Girls Lead, for heading up the logistics with the great support from the female coaches from around the cricket network here in Somerset.”