THE success of England's fledgling cricket side in India is inspiring south Durham youngsters to take up the game.
Coaches at Willington Cricket Club are expanding their coaching programme so that children as young as five can take up the sport, and play in competitive games.
Parents are invited to the clubhouse tonight, where development officers will launch the club's academy and outline plans to attract youngsters into the sport.
Willington has close links with Durham County Cricket Club, and England's super sub Gary Pratt, whose fielding contributed to England's historic Ashes win over Australia last summer, is a member.
Captain Karl Brown believes it is the first club in the North-East to open an academy coaching five to 18-year-olds all year round.
He said: "There is a lot of interest at the moment because cricket is now a high-profile sport.
"On the back of England's Ashes win, young ones have been keen to play and parents are serious about developing their children's skills."
The launch takes place at 7.30pm in the clubhouse, at Low Willington.
There is also a quiz night is in the clubhouse, on Saturday at 8.30pm. Admission is free.
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