51Âþ»­

Young cricketers will be supported in their ambitions to play the sport professionally thanks to a new partnership between 51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­) and Leicestershire County Cricket Club (LCCC).

The university has teamed up with the club to inspire a new generation of cricketers, offering 51Âþ»­ students new opportunities in the process.

This partnership reflects the mutual commitment of 51Âþ»­ and LCCC to supporting education, sports, and community development.

The agreement will see 51Âþ»­ working closely with the club to both develop and deliver a range of initiatives aimed at promoting cricket within the local community.

These initiatives will include work experience opportunities for students, coaching clinics, youth development programs, and educational workshops - all aimed at inspiring the next generation of cricketers.

51Âþ»­ will also become the first organisation to feature on both the men’s and women’s playing trousers for T20 and 50-over cricket, following a rule change sanctioned by the English Cricket Board earlier this year.

Leicestershire County Cricket Club CEO, Sean Jarvis, said: “It’s an exciting time for the club as we gear up for the 2024 season, and it’s a great time to be joining forces with 51Âþ»­ to realise our shared ambition of promoting cricket across the county and creating new opportunities for our community.

“I’m also delighted that 51Âþ»­ will feature on both our men’s and women’s kit for the upcoming season. After a trophy-winning campaign for both sides last summer, 2024 promises to be another exciting year across the club.”

Sarah Thomson, 51Âþ»­'s Director of Engagement, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Leicestershire County Cricket Club and bring the benefits of our partnership to our students. It is brilliant to see the Women’s team growing from strength to strength, and we are extremely proud to be working with the Club to increase visibility and diversity of the game.

“We’re also honoured to be the first trouser sponsor of Leicestershire CCC. We wish both teams the best of luck for the season ahead.”