Students united for services

The fundraising begins in February with a six-a-side tournament followed by a festival in Richmondshire

The charity cricketers at Northern Universities Student Club Community Cricketers Elite are to host two charity cricket festivals for the Army Benevolent Fund.

The first is the annual 'Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Indoor Super 6s Championship' for local clubs and student teams from Northumberland to Yorkshire, starting in February with all proceeds being donated to ABF charity.

The second is a unique 'Salute our Hero’s Cricket Festival' in Richmondshire to be held over four days commencing on July 19 including a coloured clothing Twenty20 challenge.

The Army is committing its full Cricket Association 1st XI from active service to compete in the festival over three days.

John D Holland, NUSC Director of Cricket, said the group wanted to do their bit.

“After meeting Major Eric Ingram MBE (Chairman North East, ABF) we were shocked at the lack of sporting teams supporting the charity which does such tremendous work for all soldiers past and present.

"NUSC prides itself on trying to make a difference with its cricket festivals and so the idea of hosting one in Richmondshire, a town with special links to the Army, was born.

"An idea is only as good as the people who help make it a reality. We have some truly amazing people behind the festival and together it will see the legacy be not only outstanding cricket but valuable funds for ABF."

Colonel Peter Sharland of the Army Cricket Association added: "It is a great honour for the Army Cricket team to be invited to play in the North East which has such a special relationship with the Armed Forces, for such a worthy cause.

"The Services face challenging times at present with events in Afghanistan and elsewhere in the world and we very much appreciate such support and loyalty to our troops."

NUSC will also be wearing the ABF logo throughout their 2010 programme and have written to every side to ask for their support of the charity during their festival tours to the North East.

To find out more about this and all of NUSC’s festivals click here or contact the club on nusc-ccelite@o2.co.uk.