WINTER training for young cricketers in Kidderminster is under way, with two free taster sessions on offer to newcomers.

Boys and girls aged seven to 14 are welcome at Kidderminster Cricket Club’s junior section indoor nets at the town’s Baxter College on Friday evenings.

Softball sessions for under-9s and younger run from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, u10s, learning hardball for the first time, train from 6.30pm to 7.30pm followed by u11s to u14s from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

Junior section chairman Sarah Beadsworth said: “Cricket may not be in the forefront of people’s minds during the English winter, but it’s the ideal time to train in readiness for summer games.

“It doesn’t matter if the children haven’t played before. If they are keen to learn, the sessions will prepare them well and they are an opportunity for the more experienced players to work on perfecting their technique and maintaining their fitness. It’s also a lot of fun.”

KCC has teams in competitive leagues and cup competitions at all age groups from u10 to u19 and enters u8s and u9s in annual softball tournaments. The club also became a county designated girls’ hub a year ago and is fielding its first u11s girls’ softball team this season.

All coaches are ECB qualified, first aid trained, and DBS checked. Sessions are £3 each and for more details contact Mrs Beadsworth on 07841 502535.