All Stars Cricket FAQs
Q. Is All Stars Cricket limited to clubs only running the programme for 8 weeks?
A. No, All Stars Cricket is designed to run for a minimum of 8 weeks but any club can decide to run the programme for longer if they wish. At the recent information meetings at Exeter & Bristol the majority of clubs which we spoke with were planning to do a 10-12 week programme to cover every week from May through to the school holidays. A few are also looking at running the All Stars programme throughout the whole summer like their existing programmes for other ages.
Q. How long is an All Stars Cricket Session?
A. All Stars Cricket Sessions should run for 45 mins to an hour.
Q. Do we have to run All Stars Cricket on the same night as our existing junior training?
A. This is ultimately down to the club and what they think will work best for them. Some clubs are looking to run it on the same day as all their other junior activity to show parents that there is other cricket available for older children or as their All Stars Cricketer gets older. Some are looking at running on a separate day to run All Stars as a standalone offer from their tradition junior cricket. We can help you decide this.
Q. Do we have to have to have 30 kids sign up to allow our club to run All Stars Cricket?
A. Ideally we’d love to get 30 5-8 year olds to every club which decides to run All Stars Cricket but we are realistic and understand that is may not be possible with the rural nature of the county. We want more young people taking up the game of cricket and as a County Board we will work with you to ensure we maximise numbers at your All Stars Sessions.
Q. What does the All Stars Cricket Activator Training involve? Do I have to attend if I already have a cricket coaching qualification?
A. The training is very simple with those undertaking the Activator role receiving 2 hours face to face practical training plus a further 2 hours online learning. Each club must have a minimum of 1 trained All Stars Cricket Activator to run the programme. We recommend clubs have 2 trained but many clubs we have spoken to at the meeting have said they are planning to get 3/4/5 people trained. Those who already have an existing coaching qualification will need to complete the All Stars Activator training if they are going to lead the programme at their clubs. Please note all training is available free of charge.
Q. Does our Activator have to have any cricket knowledge or any key skills?
Although many All Stars Cricket Activators will have excellent experience of cricket it is by no means essential – first and foremost, we are looking for people with fantastic personal skills.
We are looking for excellent volunteers to oversee All Star Cricket at clubs, creating a top-class environment for kids and parents alike. In the pilot programmes last year those clubs who had enthusiastic, vibrant and motivated people (often with little cricket background) delivered the best sessions inspiring young children at their club.
Q. Our club already runs cricket sessions for 5-8 year olds so why should we now deliver All Stars Cricket instead?
It is brilliant that as a club you have already provided cricket opportunities for 5-8 year old but there are many who don’t; hence one of the reasons for the ECB launching All Stars Cricket.
By running All Stars, you be will be able welcome new players, supporters and potential future volunteers, bringing huge benefits to your club.
In addition, you will receive full support from the ECB and us as a County Board when implementing All Stars Cricket, including the following:
- All Stars Cricket equipment and resources provided at zero cost to the club
- Free volunteer training including parent engagement
- Administration for All Stars Cricket handled centrally by the ECB saving volunteer time at your club.
- Club benefits from the National marketing campaign targeting both existing cricket families and non-cricket families enabling wider recruitment.
- Support for County Board to promote All Stars Cricket within your local schools.
- Free kit bag with specialise equipment to run All Stars worth over £500.
- Volunteer kit
- Access to All Stars Cricket support centre
- Opportunities to win money can’t buy experiences e.g. free tickets for children to Test matches and One-Day Internationals
Q.The RRP of All Stars Cricket is set at £40 with each club receiving £5 for every player which signs up. If we run All Stars we are set to either: make less money than we do currently or this is more than we currently charge- Can we charge more or less than £40?
The price that has been set has been market tested with parents across the country and for a minimum 8 weeks programme with the All Stars Cricket Pack which every player gets, this is seen as good value for money.
For those clubs who currently charge less than the £40 RRP for players on their existing programmes should be able to justify the price increase as through All Stars Cricket they will get:
- The All Stars Cricket Pack including a Bat, a Ball, Personalised T-Shirt, Hat, Bag & Drinks Bottles
- Membership to the All Stars Cricket Club
- Part of the national cricket pathway that facilitates lifelong participation
- Taking part in fun cricket activities designed by the ECB’s Elite Coaching Team
- Collect the All Stars Cricket badgesthat highlights kid’s individualachievement
- Weekly communications from England Cricketers and chance to win the opportunity to meet them at international matches.
If clubs decide they want to offer All Stars Cricket for less than £40 they can but they will not receive the £5 for every player which joins and would have to fund any money which doesn’t cover the programme cost which is £35.
Clubs can also decide to charge more than £40 for the programme and will be able to do this through the booking system. The system will be able to detail what extras players will get for the increased price such as running a longer programme, including a club shirt or full club membership.
However, please consider that if you charge more and another club locally charge £40 you risk parents who are new to cricket choosing the other club as it is cheaper. Also it is worth considering those parents who sign their child up for All Stars Cricket are less likely to leave them unattended due to the age group so there is the opportunity to generate other income by selling refreshments to them if they are not helping with the sessions.