The UK’s leading youth cricket and disability sports charity, the Lord’s Taverners, is delivering a free community cricket programme called ‘Wicketz’ in Cardiff for young people aged 8-12 which uses cricket as a vehicle for social change.

Wicketz encourages young people to take part in cricket and enjoy physical activity regardless of their background, circumstances or ability, while promoting positive life choices.

The Lord’s Taverners will be working in conjunction with Cricket Wales to deliver Wicketz and is inviting boys and girls, aged 8-12, to join them for Wales’ first weekly Wicketz session on Tuesday 22 January. Every Tuesday, youngsters will come together after school from 4.30pm to 5.30pm at Eastern Leisure Centre in Llanrumney.

Ed Meggitt, Chairman Lord’s Taverners, Wales, said:

“Wicketz has proven to be far more than a sporting opportunity already in other areas of the UK and can have a real impact on those involved. Hearing all the success stories from Wicketz programmes in other parts of the UK, we wanted to bring this positive initiative to Wales.

“Our aim is to offer children something new, a sense of community. Wicketz can give these children opportunities they never had before.”

Luke Williams, development officer of Wicketz in Wales, said: “We want to give children new opportunities, which they currently lack. A scheme like Wicketz encourages young people to come together and can be life-changing. It means a lot to everyone involved.

“I’m already looking forward to see children’s team spirit develop as they play cricket for the first time.”

The programme has helped raise awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and physical activity for children. Wicketz also helps youngsters develop social and personal skills that will benefit them later in life.

One recent success story is Abdus Salaam from Luton who turned to the cricket programme to overcome anger issues and is now one of the programme’s assistant coaches and a role model for all youngsters involved.

As well as the Wicketz hub in Llanrumney, other hubs will shortly be opening in South Wales.

The Lord’s Taverners also provided kit and equipment to the Wicketz hub which means anyone can take part without needing the necessary equipment and associated costs.

If you would like more information about the project, please contact Luke Williams on [email protected]