Bideford's Young Cricketers bowled over by extra funding

Young cricketers at Bideford Cricket Club will be enjoying a course of indoor coaching this winter, thanks to funding from Torridge District Council.

An application was submitted by the Club to the council's Youth Initiative Budget programme, and the panel agreed to sign a cheque for £800 to help with winter coaching courses for colts.

Andy Davies, coaching organiser at the club said, "Our colts have had a very successful season with the under 10s, under 11s, and under 13s all winning their leagues, and the under 12s won the Graham Harris Cup. The Under 13s reached the county final of their national competition but lost on the toss of a coin! They are all cricket mad and I'm delighted that this funding will mean we can carry on with the coaching throughout the winter months as well as being able to run our successful summer camps next season."

Cllr Barry Parsons, leader of Torridge District Council said,

"Having been to the club and seen the passion and commitment of the coaches there I can fully see why the youngsters have been so successful this year. I hope that this grant encourages them to continue training so they can go on to even bigger and better things."

Coaching courses for the U11's will begin in October – anyone from the age of seven upwards is welcome. See the club's website www.bidefordcc.co.uk for more details.

Funding is still available from the Youth Initiative Budget for grants of up to £3,000. Applications are welcomed for a variety of youth projects including:

• training

• a community or sports event

• help with offering a voluntary service.

• purchase of new equipment for a youth club.

• assistance with costs associated with attending a youth club, or related activities.

For more information contact the council's Community Development Officer on 01237 428756, or go to www.torridge.gov.uk/youthbudget