Essex Cricket have entered into a three-year partnership with Smile Group Travel, which will see the worldwide sports tour operator become the provider of choice for all Pathway and Women’s team tours.
In addition, several selected school competitions will be sponsored by Smile, and prizes for the winners will be provided by the company.
Smile branding will be visible across Essex Cricket channels, including the big screen at all Men’s and Women’s First XI fixtures at The Cloud County Ground.
Daryl Townson, Commercial Manager at Essex Cricket, said: “It’s wonderful to partner with Smile Group Travel as we look to expand the Club’s portfolio of partners.
“This announcement is especially exciting as, ahead of the new professional Essex Women’s team which is coming in 2025, this is our first partnership focused on that area of the Club.
“We are very much looking forward to working with Smile, with our new professional Women’s team and our Pathway players set to benefit.”
“I’m delighted to have agreed this partnership with Essex, particularly being from here,” added Smile Group owner Graeme Walker.
“Cricket is a lifelong passion for me, and I can see huge opportunities for the partnership at all levels of the sport.
“Smile are vastly experienced in organising tours, especially cricket, to all parts of the world and we are committed to providing fantastic experiences at all levels.
“The keys for us are to promote cricket and help as many people as possible have the joyous experience of a Smile tour.”
To help launch the partnership, Smile are organising a trip at the end of February 2025 to Barbados with Essex legends Graham Napier and John Lever as tour hosts.
The tour includes flights and accommodation, a VIP Sandy Lane Gold Cup horse racing day experience, as well as numerous social events that include the opportunity to play golf and cricket.
The tour will be a wonderful experience for all lovers of sunshine and with Smile’s exceptional ground team, travellers are guaranteed to see the very best of the paradise island of Barbados.
The event is open to everyone, although Essex Members will be able to take advantage of the offer of a free catamaran cruise whilst on the island.
Contact Graeme and his team via [email protected] or on 01708 948817 to discuss this special offer further.
Enter the ballot for international tickets
The 2025 international fixture list has been revealed, with Chelmsford braced for high-octane action as England Women take on West Indies Women on Monday 26 May at 2:30pm.
In what’s set to be an unmissable afternoon of IT20 cricket, some of the world’s best T20 cricketers will go head to head in a T20 set in the heart of Essex.
What’s more, the game will be played on the Spring Bank Holiday making it the perfect day out with friends and family.
Demand for tickets will be high, so make sure to enter the ticket ballot and share with family and friends for the best chance to get your hands on tickets before public sale.
You’ll also have the chance to earn an extra entry to the ballot by sharing with the person you’d like to bring with you.
The ballot will close at midnight on Monday 04 November and ballot winners will be contacted with a unique link to purchase tickets on Tuesday 05 November.
