Hugh Robertson opens the batting partnership for Kent Cricket Board with Southern Water

Sports Minister Hugh Robertson has launched a new three year programme that will encourage more girls under the age of 11 to take up cricket.

The scheme, run by the Kent Cricket Board and sponsored by Southern Water is designed to boost the numbers of young female players at the grassroots level of the game.

Hugh Robertson, MP for Faversham, commented; “Kent is one of the leading counties for girls’ cricket, so it is great to see success at the top levels descended to the grass roots. None of this would be possible without commercial support such as that provided by Southern Water. So I am delighted to see the two organisations working together for young people in the sport.”

Sixty youngsters attended a training session at Leeds and Broomfield Cricket Club hosted by Kent and England player Lydia Greenway. Lydia played in the latest Ashes series in which England were victorious and was voted Wisden’s woman cricketer of the year in 2011.

Lydia said; “Financial support from companies like Southern Water gives us an opportunity to provide more coaching support and expose more girls to cricket. Starting them young helps to develop the standard of cricket across the county and internationally.”

The new partnership between Southern Water and Kent Cricket Board (KCB)is part of the company’s 'Sporting Chance' programme.

Southern Water’s Director of Communications, Geoff Loader said; “We are looking forward to helping Kent continue its success in the women’s game. Southern Water is committed to promoting sport at a grassroots level, linking this with the health benefits of drinking water.

"We want to give as many youngsters as possible a chance to play and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. With the county now in drought, it is also a great opportunity to work with cricket clubs to promote efficient use of water and help them avoid waste wherever possible.”

For the next three years KCB coaches will work to establish new girls’ sections at clubs across the county and hold tournaments to showcase excellence in the game.