Essex Cricket is proud to announce the return of the long-running Mini Matchplay event for 2024, now in partnership with First Bus for the first time.
The much-loved event, which has been in existence for more than two decades, helped to nurture the careers of current Essex 1st XI players Sam Cook, Kelly Castle, Aaron Beard, and Ben Allison.
It will once again take place on The Cloud County Ground outfield over three consecutive evenings this week, from Tuesday until Thursday between 5:00pm and 9:00pm each day.
Ahead of Essex’s entrance into Tier 1 of the new professional women’s domestic structure from 2025, this year’s event will feature a record 19 all-girls’ teams.
Nine of the 63 total teams, which are coming from 44 clubs across Essex and East London, are participating for the first time, with more than 500 individual children set to be involved.
The floodlights will be turned on later into each evening, creating an atmospheric setting, while a host of off-field activities will enhance the excitement.
Essex Men’s 1st XI player Charlie Allison is set to appear at the event, while a partnership with Essex Police will see vehicles and police officers present to educate and entertain the children.
Alongside that, Julie Taylor will be in attendance to discuss the Club’s partnership with, and the work of, the anti-knife crime organisation she manages, the Liam Taylor Legacy.
The police and the Liam Taylor Legacy will have a joint stall set up to educate and inform about the issues around knife crime.
In addition to police cars, the partnership with First Bus will mean that a real bus will be in the ground for the children to try out their ‘driving’ skills.
“Mini Matchplay has been a cornerstone of our community engagement for over 20 years,” said Chloe Leveridge, Head of Youth Engagement at Essex Cricket.
“It’s a celebration of youth cricket and allows young budding cricketers to experience the thrill of playing at The Cloud County Ground.
“Enjoyment is the main theme of the evening, which we’re looking to achieve by the cricket on the field and the numerous off-field activations.
“We’re really looking forward to running the event again and hope that everyone involved comes away with long-lasting great memories!”
