Middlesex Cricket's 'County Championship Trophy Tour', a county wide tour of Middlesex showcasing the County Championship trophy to youngsters at an array of schools and clubs, gathered pace this month with members of the Middlesex Participation Team being joined by first team cricketers John Simpson, Stephen Eskinazi and Ravi Patel on a number of visits.
This month the pupils of William Perkins Secondary School, Featherstone Secondary School, Highbury Fields Secondary School and St Augustine's High School all got up close and personal with the first-class games' elite competition trophy.
As well as posing for photographs with the County Championship trophy, Ravi, Stephen and John's presence this month also allowed a number of students to benefit from some fun and engaging coaching sessions, where the Middlesex pros dished out a few tips and pointers to the young cricket enthusiasts.
Sharon Eyers, Middlesex Cricket’s Head of Children and Fans said:
“Over the last two months we’ve taken the Championship trophy into over a dozen different schools and clubs and in every case the response has been amazing – the kids have absolutely loved it.
“With the Middlesex professional squad now also coming along on the Trophy Tour visits the youngsters are not only being inspired by the trophy itself but also by the professionals that played a part in winning it for Middlesex last season.”
Head Teacher of St Augustine's, Eugene Moriarty, said:
“Our school motto is 'Be the best you can be', whatever you passion, whether its sports, music, English or drama, whatever it may be, do your best and be your best.
"For Middlesex to win the County Championship this year I assume there was a lot of hard work and performances put in. What I really like about this is that I want to open the eyes of our students to what you can achieve if you work hard. It’s great to have the County Championship trophy in our School, not many pupils get this opportunity.”
Several of St Augustine's students were equally as enthusiastic about the Trophy coming to their school.
Drion commented: "It’s Amazing, it’s cool and not many people get to hold the trophy so it’s great. By Ravi coming in to our school and talking to us makes us realise that we can achieve the same thing.”
Charlotte, another St Augustine's student added: “I am happy that the County Championship trophy came to our school because it was inspirational.”
Whilst Vitu said: “I’m glad that the trophy is here because its gold and second of all we get a chance to carry it. From this, what I will take, is that work hard and being good at my education will help me achieve what I want.”
If you're a recreational club or school that would like to meet the County Championship trophy and become a part of our 2016/17 winter County Championship Trophy Tour, then by all means drop Sharon Eyers an email on sharon.eyers@middlesexccc.com.
