Cricket in Holland Photo © ECC

For the past two years, on European Cricket Day the EDP has supported projects run by member countries and new territories aimed at raising awareness of the game or enhancing development.

The response has been fantastic on both occasions, and this year we would like to take the initiative one step further.

On 4-5 May, we hope to see as many member countries and new territories as possible participating in European `Spirit of Cricket' Weekend.

Cricket in Iceland Photo © ECC

We hope that by extending the initiative to cover a whole weekend, this will allow countries to stage a number of events promoting the spirit of the game and raising money for a charity with which the EDP will establish an ongoing link.

Please start thinking about your events now, so that you can request the necessary equipment and kit, resources and promotional materials, coaches and umpires etc well in advance, and send us details of your initiatives for a newsworthy press release.

Cricket in Ireland Photo © ECC

Proceeds from sponsored cricket, auctions, raffles, sales or even a fining system operated for league matches over the course of the weekend will all help to improve life for underprivileged youngsters in Europe.