What is U19T20?
Young players compete in fast paced matches with and against their friends in a great social atmosphere. It offers a format of cricket to inspire and enthuse young people to stay in the game at their clubs.
With over 650 clubs taking part nationally and 16 in Berkshire, wearing coloured kit, playing music and smashing a pink ball around, the impact was huge:
• 97% of ‘at risk’ players said they were now more likely to continue playing next year.
• 2 in 3 clubs saw players returning to play.
• 75% of players also became ‘volunteers’ to help set up matches.
What can we expect if we enter?
We want to build upon this success and next season bigger and better. Participating clubs can expect the following:
• Free online training for volunteers.
• Access to discounted T20 kit both locally & nationally
• Support package from ECB & Berkshire Cricket – including activation pack, player statistics package and interaction on social media.
• Pink U19T20 balls.
• 4 – 6 U19T20 fixtures, leading to a county finals day
Entries will be collected along with all other age groups for Berkshire Youth League competitions. After this, we can make a decision on the format of the competition and draw up initial groups/leagues and communicate this with clubs. A decision on the format of County Finals Day & any possible rounds after the group stages will be made once we know the number of teams who have entered.
Your U19 team will be encouraged to take ownership of the competition and organise their own match day experience, which has seen clubs do some of the following:
• Coloured clothing
• BBQ/food/refreshments
• Player profiles/match programme
• Team dugout areas
• Club junior section- Guard of Honour
• Music
• 4 and 6 cards
• Social media coverage
My club are interested but not sure we have enough players?
The competition is open to players between the age of 14-19. Also we are happy for amalgamated teams, enabling a joint club entry which may suit smaller clubs to ensure your U19s have the opportunity to compete.
How do we enter?
Entries will be via the same entry form as all other age groups for Berkshire Youth League competitions. However, if the competition sounds of interest to you and your club, and you would like more information, please get in touch:
adam.davidson@berkshirecricketfoundation.org
Still not sure?
If you are still not ready for “Blast Off” then click here to watch this short video on what you could be involved in next summer.
