AN initiative that encourages children to play cricket for the first time has also caught the attention of their parents.

All Stars Cricket, a programme aimed at kids aged between five and eight, started a second run at eight clubs across mid Cheshire last week.

Between them, they will introduce more than 250 boys and girls to the game’s basic skills over the next two months.

OPINION: Kids' All Stars fun is encouraging for mid-Cheshire cricket

It is hoped that their mum and dad’s interest can be piqued again too.

All Stars was a phenomenal success last summer and it’s likely to be a bigger one in 2018,” said Gareth Moorhouse, clubs and participation manager for the Cheshire Cricket Board.

“It brings a new audience to cricket, and is breathing new life into some of our clubs.

“For them it’s a wonderful opportunity to welcome new playing members, of course, but there is an opportunity as well to recruit a new generation of volunteers.”

Last year, three-quarters of those families in the county that signed up had never visited a club close to their home.

Parents, who are encouraged to join in activities with their son or daughter, have since joined a committee or offered to help in other ways.

“I think the inclusive nature of All Stars is one of its biggest strengths,” said Mark Greaves, development and coaching officer for the board in mid Cheshire.

“The kids love having mum or dad there to catch and throw the ball with them or show them how to hold a bat.

“There’s sometimes reluctance at first, but once they lose those inhibitions the parents get plenty from it too.”

He visited more than 20 primary schools across the district to deliver taster sessions that raise awareness of the programme.

And the message appears to have got through.

Davenham reached capacity on the same day they invited registrations, while Barnton, Kingsley and Oakmere have reported a higher number of children taking part than 12 months ago.

There were 36 at Oulton Park on Saturday morning and 40 at Weaverham the previous evening.

Middlewich and Winsford are also hosting weekly sessions.

Once there, children receive coaching targeted to all ages and abilities as well as a rucksack full of goodies including a bat and ball as well as a personalised shirt.

The emphasis is on fun.

Moorhouse said: “It’s been heartening to see so many of our clubs supporting All Stars.

“The programme is helping to change the perception of cricket from a slow, technical and sometimes inaccessible sport to one that is fun-filled and fast-paced.”

All Stars is also a way into the sport for coaches.

According to statistics released by the England and Wales Cricket Board, 74 per cent of Activators – as those who deliver the course are called – were new to the game.

The challenge, according to Greaves, is to retain as many of them as possible once the programme reaches a conclusion.

He said: “It’s important that All Stars doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and everybody forgets about it once it’s over.

“We’re confident that the clubs in mid Cheshire are well-positioned to integrate the children into a junior section.

“Some kids have come back for a second year, while others have joined an under nines team at their club.

“Seeing that bigger picture is important.”