Children can be hard to entertain over the holidays, but we might just have the solution for you.

The All Stars Cricket programme in Newport, is run by the Newport Fugitives Cricket Club, offers children aged 5-8 the chance to learn the ropes and experience the excitement of playing cricket. For many children new to sports, this is an exciting opportunity for them to engage with the world of sports in a safe, educational environment, as well as helping keep them physically fit.

Based at the Newport International Sports village, the programme promises eight weeks of non-stop fun for children every Tuesday starting on May 30.

All Star’s Cricket boasts an impressive 58 members in Newport alone already, and it’s an excellent opportunity for children to make new friends and socialise. Promising friendly, professional coaches, and top of the range facilities All Stars Cricket is a wonderful chance for young children to engage, learn and develop.

Mark White, the area cricket manager for South East Wales, has been overwhelmed by the hugely positive response given. The All-Star’s Cricket programme aims to make cricket the summer sport, with already more than 152 centres participating across Wales alone.

More than 60 children took part in a cricket session last week in Newport.

Mr White said: “There was a buzz in the air, beaming smiles from children and adults who many had never even played a sport before.”

The programme aims to be increasingly accessible for young children and to make families more involved by sending home various cricket related games for children and parents to play together. Mr White said of the future for All Stars, “that it is here to stay,” and ambitiously they “hope to find our next international captain from an All stars Centre in Wales.”

The programme hopes with the ICC champions’ trophy in Cardiff looming closer, that more and more children will be inspired to watch and partake in the sport. Already, positive responses can be seen in local clubs such as in Monmouth, where their attendance as of last Saturday spiked to 25; breathing new life into the game for a new generation.

The programme according to their website has also helped children with learning mutual respect for each other, as well as building their confidence and characters.

Richard Jones, the junior co-ordinator at Newport, who has taken on the All Stars initiative, has also found the response overwhelmingly positive. With a growing mix of boys and girls taking up the sport they hope to form a under nine’s girls team.

Mr Jones said: “Newport Fugitives has taken the initiative from the All Stars’ Cricket programme, and we aim to get kids as young as possible to be involved with the sport so they can enjoy it hopefully well into their teenage and adult years.” The Newport Fugitives seems to be growing from strength to strength, with participation constantly on the rise.

Andrew Rothwell from Newport, whose children Rowan, aged 8, and Rueben, aged 6, have now become cricket enthusiasts thanks to the initiative. The father-of-two said both his children are “excited and keen” to continue with the programme.

Mr Rothwell said: “There’s a real sense of community spirit, you see the parents attending the various sports clubs and the children and parents really get to know each other. It’s not just about the sport.”

The England and Wales Cricket Board director (ECB), Matt Dwyer, said with more than 2,000 clubs already signed up, he is hopeful of the programmes potential to allow a growth for younger members of the sport.

He said: “It’s all about putting a bat and ball in the hands of more children at an earlier age. We want to make playing cricket a fun and enjoyable experience for children and give them a passion for the game to last a lifetime.”

Mr Dwyer has once again like other members of the All Stars Cricket programme, emphasised the families’ involvement.

He said: “We will be encouraging parents to get involved with sessions, whatever their prior knowledge of the game.” From the current trend of things, the future is bright for the All Stars Cricket programme, and a welcome addition to the world of sports.

To get involved visit fugies.co.uk or ecb.co.uk/