KIDDERMINSTER Cricket Club will give youngsters their first taste of the sport this month in their annual All Stars programmes.

The national initiative, run by the England and Wales Cricket Board and delivered by clubs, has brought tens of thousands of boys and girls aged five to eight-years-old into the game.

Children can receive eight weekly coaching sessions, plus a bat, ball, cap, All Stars Cricket activity book, a backpack and personalised t-shirt, all costing a total £40.

KCC Junior Section chairman Sarah Beadsworth said: “The coaching activities are suitable for all skill levels. The children love wearing the kit and taking part in fun drills like Lost in Space and Volcanoes and Craters.

“As we are a Worcestershire County designated Girls’/Women’s Hub, for the second year we are running separate boys’ and girls’ programmes at the same time, but with their own dedicated coaches.

“We can attract girls to our hub from a wider catchment area than Kidderminster alone with the aim of developing a girls’ section and are delighted to be running an u11 girls’ team for the first time this year.

“As well as being an introduction to cricket, All Stars is also a great family night out with BBQs and refreshments available from the bar. Siblings are welcome and children can play in a safe and pleasant environment.”

The Kidderminster programmes start on Friday, May 17 from 5.15pm to 6pm at the club’s Chester Road ground. Registration is online at allstarscricket.co.uk

Junior training for under-9s to under-14s follows All Stars on Fridays from 6pm to 8pm. Two free taster sessions are offered to new members and no experience is needed.

People can contact Mrs Beadsworth on 07841 502535 or visit kidderminster.play-cricket.com for more details.