Budding cricketers were put in a spin after Halton Housing Trust donated a generous £5,000 towards the cost of their new “Jubilee” playing kit and equipment.

The youngsters, who play for Moorfield Cricket club, were presented the bumper cheque to buy the playing kit in celebration of 50 years of cricket played at the Moorfield Road cricket ground in Widnes.

The club, which consists of five junior teams, regularly competes in the North Cheshire Junior Association and has reached the finals of the competition in several of the age groups.

To commemorate their success, the new kits comprise of a playing shirt, tracksuit and playing cap.  They also include a commemorative jubilee badge to mark the club’s 50-years in existence. In addition to the badge, the the Trust logo has been included on the players’ clothing.

The playing kits are being sported by 90 young players aged between nine and 18 years old, as well as seven coaches, four coaching assistants and two child welfare officers. The players’ former kit and equipment needed replacing on health and safety grounds.

Nick Atkin, the Chief Executive of Halton Housing Trust said: “We are very proud to be able to sponsor the junior teams in this way. The Trust wanted to make a significant contribution particularly as the Jubilee anniversary marks such a significant year for the cricket club.
 
“We believe that sport is an essential part of a young person’s development and that’s why we strive to do everything we can to get more people involved in the game. We are delighted to have been able to offer our support to a Club that clearly attracts a number of local younger people into sport.”

Moorfield Cricket Club is an integral part of Moorfield Sports and Social club which boasts excellent facilities for people of all age groups and ability.

The club has continually adopted a strong focus on the development of young people in sport, and hosts three open age men’s teams, many of whom have come up through the junior ranks.

Moorfield Cricket Club was also one of the first clubs in the country to achieve the prestigious Club-Mark status in recognition of its commitment to Junior Sport and young sportspeople. The players’ new kit will make them even better equipped as a team.

Michael Drane, the Chairman of Moorfield Cricket club, was left “stumped” by the bumper cheque handed to him by Halton Housing Trust, the largest provider of social housing in Halton.

He said: “We are delighted that the Trust decided to become our sponsor and we are grateful for so much support. With the Trust’s help, we can now have the junior members of Moorfield Cricket Club looking like a team as well as being equipped like a team.

“And of course we want to be playing like a team in what is sure to be a big year for us – our Jubilee year 2008.

“By offering us this support, Halton Housing Trust has helped improve the safety of our young players in replacing this kit and we feel sure it will enhance their playing performance as well as developing their skills.”