BBQ, music and fun for all at cricketing open day – Thame

THAME Town cricket club is preparing to throw open its pavilion doors to the local community on Sunday, August 9, as part of a nationwide initiative to help boost grassroots cricket participation, supported by Waitrose.

The club is inviting all local people and cricket fans who are interested in finding out more about the club, to head along to the ground for the day to watch some cricket and enjoy some food and drink, in a bid to entice new members to sign-up. The day will start at 11am with a 6-aside tournament, a BBQ from midday, FREE coaching in the nets for Junior’s from 2pm – 4pm and close at 7pm.

Matt Swain, TTCC’s fixture secretary, said: “We are inviting people to come and enjoy one of the most idyllic cricket settings in the country, which is right on their doorstep. At the Open Day there will be a six-aside tournament, BBQ, Music, Bouncy Castle, taster nets sessions, bowling machine, raffle and lots more. The event is for everyone old and young, boys and girls. Come and join us at Church Meadow; you will be most welcome.”

Former England captain and ECB Cricket Partnership Ambassador Mike Gatting, added: “Club Open Days has proven to be a fantastic way for cricket clubs to capitalise on the nation’s fervour for cricket during the summer. By opening their pavilion doors and showcasing what they have to offer to their local community, clubs will hopefully be able to inspire newcomers to come and join them. We want to inspire more players, volunteers and social members to come together and get into cricket.”

Thame Town Cricket Club runs three adult Saturday league teams plus a friendly Sunday team and a friendly Tuesday night T20 team. The club has a large junior section for age groups U9’s, U’11s, U13’s, U15’s and U17’s that run during the week. The U15’s and U17’s also have the option to play for the adult league and friendly teams. In June this year Thame CC also set up a Women’s section. Training is on a Wednesday evening between 6:30pm and 7:30pm. The initiative is called ‘Crick Fit’ and is FREE to females of all ages and abilities. It’s great fun and exercise and there is already a squad of 40 women and girls who take part. The club will be holding a Women’s cricket tournament on Sunday, August 30.

• @ECB_cricket and @waitrose will be using #GetIntoCricket for Club Open Days on twitter

• For more information about ECB Club Open Days, including a full list of clubs registered to date, visit: www.ecb.co.uk/clubopendays

• For more information about Thame Town CC’s Club Open Day and details of how to join the club please contact: www.thametowncricketclub.org.uk