In a refreshing sign of the changing times, youngsters have returned to outside training at Sidmouth Cricket Club and a massive boost to the health and wellbeing of local children.
A terrific number enjoyed the first training session and the various age groups will be able to play fixtures in the summer.
There is also a separate girls section and huge enthusiasm running throughout the cricket community as the weather warms up for a new season.
“We ran sessions through to Christmas but obviously then had to stop, so it was great to have around 44 kids back on a Friday night,” said Nick Mansfield from Sidmouth CC.
“The weekly sessions are now back outside and we intend to run the Friday training through to September for the under-9s up to under-15s, which is our core offering.
“We also run All Stars for the five to eight year-olds, plus a dedicated girls’ section between the ages of nine and 12.
“There are teams through the age groups and they will play fixtures during the summer against other local sides.
“After such a difficult year, it is so important for kids to be outside and enjoying physical activity. They are all so keen to be playing cricket again and they just soaked up the enjoyment of sport.
“Historically, we’ve had terrific uptake of parents coming down to watch and using our facilities while the kids are playing cricket.
“We can’t have spectators at the moment but that will hopefully change soon, and everyone is keen to savour some semblance of normality.
“The catering side of the club is opening again under the new restrictions and obviously a crucial element to the social aspect of Sidmouth CC.
“Sidmouth first-team are playing on Saturday and I believe there will be a trial run of the bar and catering offering, with a view to opening normally for the league season.
“As a club, we are all looking forward to a normal summer of cricket.”
For more information, please contact youth coordinator Louise Dalton via the club website.