West Norfolk youngsters prepare for cricketing trip of a lifetime

Young cricketers are hoping to have a Calypso time as they prepare for a cricketing trip of a lifetime to the Caribbean.

The King Edward VII Academy, in Lynn, is leading a party of 15 West Norfolk youngsters and support staff to Barbados in July.

Included in the travelling party will be 10 cricketers from KES, two from the King's Lynn Academy, and one each from Springwood High, Smithon High and the Downham Academy.

The team will play a series of fixtures during the 10-day tour and experience the game in a completely different environment.

The tour co-leader is Ross McNeil, who is head of West Norfolk schools cricket operations, while Josh Ring will travel with the party as a coach.

McNeil, who was part of KES' previous tours in 2006, 2008 and 2010, said: "It promises to be a trip of a lifetime for the boys.

"The trip is eagerly anticipated by the players and will be a fantastic way to celebrate the end of their exams, for those old enough to be sitting them."

Previous KES tours to the Caribbean were led by Paul Tebay, while the most recent saw Chris Teanby in charge before a downturn in numbers brought a brief end to the trips.

But plans to improve cricket across West Norfolk have been put in place and the tour wouldn't have been possible without the generous support of the local business community.

AMA Waste Management, Colin Dawson Windows, CTS Security and Saxon Agriculture are among the West Norfolk companies backing the tour.

Perry Dawson, from Colin Dawson Windows, said "As a KES old boy who lived to play cricket, I have so much gratitude for my time at the school, on the pitch and indeed on tour ,although in those days we only made it as far as Wookey Hole.

"To see the current crop given this opportunity to travel to Barbados is a fantastic opportunity for these youngsters and I am more than happy to contribute in a small way.Wish I was coming with you."

Darryn Faivelowitz, general manager at CTS Security, said: "CTS Security have a long and proud history supporting the local community.

"We are pleased to be associated with this once in a life time opportunity and wish all the students and staff, a very successful cricket tour to Barbados."

Ben Lukey, managing director at AMA Waste Management, said "I am Lynn born so take pride in working with local schools and being part of the community.

"It is great knowing that we are helping these young lads develop by sponsoring these types of experiences and opportunities.

"I am passionate about sport and feel It is important to try and help encourage sports participation. I believe local businesses should support trips like this, It is a pleasure to be involved."

Neil Gosset, managing director at Saxon Agriculture, added: "Life is all about seeking out opportunities and taking the opportunities that are afforded to us.

"The leadership team at the school have put huge effort in putting this tour together and the parents, pupils and a host of other supporters have all committed and worked hard to make it happen.

"There is no doubt that the experience will be formative for all those involved and as a successful local business we are proud to support the project."