Over 1,000 school kids from across Devon were given the chance to watch their cricketing heroes at the Cooper Associates County Ground last month.
As part of the MoU between Devon Cricket and Somerset CCC, 44 schools were offered over 1,000 tickets for students and teachers to attend the games between Somerset and Hampshire CCC, and England Women and Australia Women in the final ODI of the Women's Ashes.
Across the first three days of the LV= Insurance County Championship game, 1,275 kids from Devon schools were in attendance, including students from Ashburton Primary School, who held the guard of honour on Day 1; with a further 106 students attending the We Got Game 3rd ODI a week later.
The schools were joined by a number of Devon Cricket's Club and Community Coaches, including Damian Price: “We had a great couple of days at the schools days, especially seeing children from schools across Devon get the opportunity to watch a professional cricket match.
"The activation zones and activities were always busy throughout the day, and there were some familiar faces from those we had seen while delivering in schools during the year. To see so many boys and girls enjoying cricket was the best part of the week, with so many happy faces arriving in the morning and leaving at the end of the day."
Donna Grabham, from St Andrew's Primary Academy, says her students really enjoyed their day at the cricket:
"Our children had an amazing time at the cricket. We decided to come for the whole day and the time flew by!
"We met players, had our faces painted, took part in the activities that were put on for us, visited the club shop, had ice cream and watched some cricket too.
"Following an action-packed day, everyone wanted to come back again for the following day. A successful day of inspiring the next generation into cricket. Thank you!"
Kris Harris, from Okehampton College, was thankful for the opportunity for his students:
"Thank you for providing our students with the opportunity to watch and experience the atmosphere of a One Day International Women's Cricket match. It was an inspirational way to engage and inspire girls into cricket.
"The organisation was excellent as were the additional activities available for our students which enhanced their day.
"Thank you to Devon Cricket, Somerset Cricket and all girls who have represented Okehampton College this year."
The Devon Schools invited to attend were as follows:
LV= Insurance County Championship Day 1
Ashburton Primary School, Colyton Grammar School, Ernesettle Community School, Honiton Community College, Ladysmith Junior School, Newton St Cyres Primary School, Okehampton Primary School, Sandford Primary School, South Dartmoor, St Peter's CofE Aided School, The Axe Valley Academy, Tiverton High School and Village Schools Partnership.
LV= Insurance County Championship Day 2
Axminster Primary Academy, Beaford Community Primary School, Brixington Primary Academy, Caen Primary School, Drake's Church of England Primary School, High Bickington CofE Academy, Holsworthy Community College, Horwood and Newton Tracey Primary, Ilfracombe Primary, Marwood Primary, Shiphay Learning Academy, South Dartmoor Community College, Southmead Primary School, St Andrew's Primary Academy, Uffculme School, Withycombe Raleigh Primary School and Woodlands Park Primary School.
LV= Insurance County Championship Day 3
Alphington Primary, Denbury, Ipplepen Primary School, Mary Deans CofE Primary School, North Town Primary School, Orchard Vale Community School, Paignton Academy, Sidbury CofE Primary School, St Catherine's Primary School, Tavistock College, Uffculme Primary School and West Hill Primary.
We Got Game 3rd ODI
Colyton Grammar School, Okehampton College, Pilton Community College and Teign School.