Norfolk Cricket Board have announced the creation of two new Chance to Shine Street Cricket programmes.

The new programmes are aimed at young people aged 16-24 and will be free to players.

The Norwich Street Cricket project will be based at City Academy on Bluebell Road and will run from Monday from 5-7pm, on a weekly basis.

The Gorleston Street Cricket project will take place at East Norfolk Sixth Form College on Church Lane, and starts on Tuesday from 4-6pm.

Sessions at both venues are free to attend and will take place all year round.

Players do not need previous playing experience and all equipment will be provided – just wear suitable trainers.

Street Cricket is different to traditional cricket and takes only 20 minutes per game.

The game is played with a tape ball (like a tennis ball) and this means that players require no protective equipment, making it more attractive to new players.

Two ECB qualified coaches from Norfolk Cricket Board will be present at each weekly session and they will oversee play, plan competitions and give coaching where needed.

To give Street Cricket there is no need to register beforehand and if you miss the first week then don't worry, come when you can.

The provision of this new cricketing offer has been made possible through funding from Sport England and the Chance to Shine cricket charity.

Chance to Shine Street was launched nationally in 2008 and aims to provide opportunities to play cricket to people in places that the game has not traditionally reached.

The eventual aim is for players to form their own teams, play in a local league and take part in tournaments which may result in the chance to represent their county at regional and national competitions.

For more information on our new Norfolk Street Cricket projects please call Sara Worley on 07946 351191 or email sara.worley@norfolkcricket.co.uk.

For more about the Chance to Shine charity and to see a video of Street Cricket in action go to https://www.chancetoshine.org/street/chance-to-shine-street