Worcestershire Cricket Board Limited are hosting the QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright Worcestershire Street Sixes on July 19 and have a double goal for what promises to be a memorable occasion.
The initial aim for the competition, being held outside Crowngate in Angel Place, is to change perceptions about cricket, to stress it can be played anywhere, that it is a game for anyone and everyone to enjoy which brings diverse groups of people together.
But in addition the purpose of Street Sixes, which also has the support of Modus, Sanlam and Worcester BID, is to raise funds to enable the WCBL to take cricket into disadvantaged communities.
The cost to enter is £210 per six strong team and that includes entry fee for the competition, shirts displaying the names of the respective teams and an after tournament party at Browns Restaurant in the evening.
In addition the Boston Tea Party are providing free tea and cake for participating teams.
The competition is the brainchild of WCBL Cricket Development Director, Tom Hill.
He said: "At the Cricket Board, we are here to take cricket to as many people as possible.
"We are trying to alter the stereotype view where people think of cricket as a game of 'hard ball, whites, pads, a village field' when in fact cricket is a game that is accessible to so many different people.
"For us, this is all about raising awareness and changing perceptions, hence the reason we will be playing cricket in one of the busiest streets in Worcester."
Sharon Chance. Business Development Manager for Quality Solicitors Parkinson Wright said: “QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright are proud to sponsor this unique and innovative idea of Street Cricket developed by Tom Hill.
"The local business community are working with Tom to raise awareness and funds that will give the younger generation in Worcestershire the opportunity to get involved in the game of cricket.
"Sport is an excellent way for youngsters to build friendships, grow in confidence and acquire life skills to help them in the future.”
Tom Hill explained: "It will be a six-a-side competition, played with softballs, plastic stumps, bats and plenty of banter.
"For the entry fee, teams will also get invited to a launch event at New Road on July 7 where they can play on the outfield and learn all the rules of the competition, with a little coaching available to those who need it.
"The format is for anyone from your office cleaner to your chief executive, men and women, and will be ideal for people who want to network, whilst having fun and making a difference."
Hill added: "Apart from raising awareness and changing perceptions of cricket, the other intention on the day is we are raising funds to take cricket to disadvantaged communities.
"It is about going into the heart of these communities and giving kids the opportunity to learn about team work, communication, leadership – areas which are so important for their futures – all through the unique power of cricket.
"The day is a really good opportunity for people in the area to get involved in something new, something fresh, but also helping to support through the funds raised taking cricket to disadvantaged communities."
The closing date to enter competition is June 30 and entry will be via the link
