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Pounding disco music and shouts of "Let me hear you say `Yeah!'" aren't usually associated with the genteel sport of cricket, but that's exactly what locals and tourists alike were left to ponder when the ICC European Development Programme's `Imagination' Roadshow rolled up at the foot of the Eiffel Tower on Sunday 5 May at the end of its month-long trip to five European countries. Approximately 60 enthusiastic French youngsters jumped like crickets (yes, reallyÖ), ran, threw, caught, batted and bowled, as South African coach, Mike Flockhart, and his two French counterparts, David Bordes and Jean-FranÁois Defez, wearing European Cricket Council flags as Batman and Robin style capes, cranked up the energy and excitement in spite of the huge black clouds looming overhead.

Photo © ECC

The `Imagination' Roadshow has rapidly become one of the most successful development initiatives ever run by the European Development Programme. Launched at the programme's annual youth coaching camp at Bradfield College, Berkshire, at Easter, it has subsequently travelled over 3500 kilometres through France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, running sessions for nearly 4000 youngsters and meeting with an overwhelming response at every port of call. Mike Flockhart and his colleague Bruce Smuts, working as a high-energy double act, were hailed as all-conquering heroes wherever they went, with children clustering round their vehicle and clamouring to shake their hands, and begging them to continue when the coaching sessions have ended.

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According to Ben Lyon, roadshow co-ordinator in Luxembourg: "Mike and Bruce's impact was enormous. 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." 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. 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."

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Alex Oltmans, whose daughter attends one of the schools visited, agreed: "It's difficult to explain this in words, but they are able to pass on a virus which affects pupils, parents. and staff in less than 50 minutes. I haven't seen such an impact for a very long time." Another parent, who attended an evening session for adults, 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.

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Richard Beghin and Ashley Busby from Flicx International took advantage of the Paris event to hand over a Flicx pitch won by Mechelen CC (Belgium) to Alex Oltmans. The other seven pitches won by European entrants to the `Taking Cricket to Where It Has Never Been Played Before' competition started arriving at their destinations a couple of days earlier, for use at events scheduled for European Spirit of Cricket Weekend on 4-5 May. Flicx sponsored the roadshow trailer, used to transport the equipment and pitches, which is now being considered as a vehicle for future promotion in Europe.

Photo © ECC

It is hoped that this year's roadshow will pave the way for an extended programme in 2003, taking in an increased number of countries, and with 4000 youngsters already clamouring for more, the potential is certainly there for another resounding success.