Festival of Cricket inspires next generation of sport lovers

Over 300 local school children visited Queen’s Park last week to experience the action first hand at the Autoworld Volvo XC90 Chesterfield Festival of Cricket.

As well as watching, pupils from Outwood Academy, Staveley Juniors, Brimington Juniors, Old Hall, Shirebrook and Bolsover were also invited to form the guard of honour and to play games of cricket on the outfield.

Chief Executive, Simon Storey said: “Bringing first-class cricket to Chesterfield allows us to provide young people in North Derbyshire the chance to witness top-class cricket on their doorstep.

“We hope giving local school children this opportunity will inspire the next generation of cricket and sport lovers.”

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “One of our top priorities is to improve the health and well-being of people in the borough.

“Each year, the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket gives local youngsters the chance to watch county cricket at first hand as well as the chance to take part themselves and meet some of their sporting heroes.

“Hopefully, this will inspire them to take part in sport and fitness and lead healthier lifestyles as they grow up.”

The final match of the Autoworld Volvo XC90 Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, which took place on Sunday 12th July, was a sell-out event, with over 4500 people attending picturesque Queen’s Park to witness Derbyshire’s success.

Picture (left to right): Councillor Chris Ludlow, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, Councillor John Burrows, leader, and Councillor Amanda Serjeant, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, with children from Staveley Junior School.