Photo © ECC

The `Imagination' Roadshow, now in Holland on the final leg of its tour before winding up in Paris on European Spirit of Cricket Weekend, has rapidly become one of the most successful development initiatives ever run by the European Development Programme. The response following its visits to France, Luxembourg and Belgium has been overwhelming, with South African coaches Bruce Smuts and Mike Flockhart hailed as all-conquering heroes wherever they have been. Their appeal to the youngsters they have come into contact with seems to have been a mixture of Robbie Williams, David Beckham and the Pied Piper, with children clustering round their vehicle and clamouring to shake their hands, and begging them to continue when the coaching sessions have ended.

Photo © ECC

David Bordes, a Level III coach in France who accompanied the roadshow throughout its trip there, described how Bruce "compared the windball with a Pokemon character - a ruse guaranteed to capture the interest and imagination of the youngsters present - and they loved it, even asking him to carry on when it was time to go home at 4.30 pm!" According to Ben Lyon, roadshow co-ordinator in Luxembourg: "Mike and Bruce's impact [here] was enormous. They probably had contact with about 800 people in their three days there, with ages from 4 upwards, and everyone was talking about cricket and the roadshow. It is difficult to describe the kind of effect they seem to have, especially with the younger ones, by putting on their kind of show."

Photo © ECC

The tone of subsequent reports from Belgium was similar. Martin O'Connor was amazed by the way "They take the school by storm with their high-octane, super-energy performances, PE class after PE class. The youngsters come out of the sports hall asking their PE teacher when they can do it againÖ This is a real eye-opener - teachers take every opportunity to watch, visiting parents take photos and the whole school is abuzz with it. In fact, at the end of the school day, our two intrepid travellers find it impossible to leave ñ their car and trailer are surrounded." Alex Oltmans, whose daughter attends one of the schools visited by Bruce and Mike in Belgium agreed: "Bruce and Mike's view to introduce our sport and certainly the way they do it is stunning.

Photo © ECC

It's difficult to explain this in words, but they are able to pass on a virus which affects pupils, parents (25 came to see it) and staff in less than 50 minutes. I haven't seen such an impact for a very long time. These are the words from a coach and advertising man." Another parent, who attended an evening session, said: "Last night's session was I believe the best coaching for coaches session I've attended for any sport anywhere. The principles they spoke about and demonstrated - especially breaking skills down to their smallest components - was something I think we can and should use for all sports." High praise indeed.

Photo © ECC

Around 2500 youngsters have participated in roadshow sessions thus far, with many of the host schools deciding to introduce cricket into their sports programme immediately in light of the incredible enthusiasm Bruce and Mike have managed to generate. Many thanks to our two valiant coaches for their energy, enthusiasm and willingness to abandon their families, friends and business (Cricketec) for a month, and to sponsors Flicx, for making this initiative such an incredible success. Here's hoping that our star performers' voices and CD collection hold up for their 3 days in the Netherlands, and we look forward to seeing them in Paris on 5 May, European Spirit of Cricket Weekend, for the roadshow's grand finale.

For full reports on the roadshow's activities, click on the links.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Final Part