New cricket pitches built across Sandwell to get more people involved in the sport

Five new cricket pitches are being built across Sandwell with more expected across the West Midlands over the next two years.

Stars from Birmingham Phoenix were at West Smethwick Park to help mark the start of an initiative by KP Snacks to fund new non-turf community cricket pitches.

The initiative forms part of the ‘Everyone In Campaign’ which aims to champion balanced lifestyles through inspiring and enabling more people to get active and involved with cricket.

Phoenix players and coaches were at the park in Smethwick, running free coaching sessions for families to get involved.

Henry Brookes, was one of the players coaching: "As it's shown over the past few years, we've had a lot more families come watch us at Edgbaston and lots more kids.

"Days like this are brilliant in getting kids engaged and building the love for the sport."

Community Coach Mohammed Arif said: " The difference it makes whether you attend, play or follow, you have an opportunity to play with your family in a safe, trusted area."

"I'm a big believer in engaging and we're hoping that today people have an amazing experience meeting some of the Birmingham Phoenix players. Going forward it's about giving them the opportunity to link this to the game they watch on the Television."

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