The pair will be joined by thousands of volunteers at clubs across the country over the three-day campaign as they lend a hand with pre-season preparations and club refurbishments.
England pace bowler Chris Tremlett, ECB head of women’s cricket Clare Connor and England women’s spinner Holly Colvin will be wielding a paint brush alongside Mike Gatting at Bognor Regis CC, Sussex, on Saturday April 9.
The weekend will culminate on Sunday April 10 at Sawley & Long Eaton Park CC in Derbyshire, where Ajmal Shahzad and ex-England captain Michael Vaughan will be joined by England women’s vice-captain Jenny Gunn and pace bowler Katherine Brunt.
The 10th anniversary year will see a record number of over 1,850 clubs take part in the annual volunteering initiative in which cricket clubs enlist the help of the local community as they prepare facilities and grounds for the forthcoming season.
Finn said: “NatWest CricketForce is a fantastic example of how communities and cricket clubs can work together to achieve remarkable results.
“As an international cricketer, this weekend is a great opportunity to get involved in the game at grass-roots level, and see how NatWest CricketForce helps clubs provide facilities for the next generation of cricketers.”
Edwards said: “I’ll be helping out at NatWest CricketForce this year and so should everyone. It’s so important to support your local cricket club so the game continues to grow and there are quality facilities for everyone to enjoy.”
Gatting, ECB managing director of cricket partnerships, said: “I have seen fantastic things achieved by clubs through NatWest CricketForce over the years. It still amazes me the projects that can be completed when the community gets behind their local club.
“Over the last 10 years we have seen new pavilions built, pitches laid, nets and site screens repaired and many litres of paint put to good use, long may it continue.
“NatWest CricketForce is a solid example of how the ECB, NatWest and the club community successfully work together for the good of the game.
“I encourage everyone to go along to their local club this NatWest CricketForce weekend and lend a hand; there is a job for everyone.”
Published: 12/04/2011
Source: http://www.ecb.co.uk/development/natwest-cricketforce/nwcf,313618,EN.html
