CRICKET STARS LAUNCH 'KIT-AID'

February 08

acceleris marketing communications helps yorkshire’s cricket stars to launch ‘Kit-Aid’ to provide equipment for Sri Lankan schools worst hit by the tsunami

acceleris came to the rescue when Leeds Bradford UCCE (University Centre of Cricketing Excellence) came looking for advice and PR to support its ambitious future tour and charity work in Sri Lanka.

Leeds Bradford UCCE is one of six MCC supported, specialist centres around the country, set up to allow talented players with ambitions for a professional career in the game to continue training without compromising their university education.

Although nurturing some of the counties leading cricket talent, funding for the organisation is not sufficient to pay for the first overseas tour to Sri Lanka, during which it will be undertaking community work to help restore schools affected by the Tsunami. Planned for March 2008, the touring team required help securing potential sponsors as well as raising funds individually to help meet the costs.

acceleris proposed the launch of ‘Kit-Aid’, an appeal to all cricket clubs, equipment manufacturers and the general public to donate their spare or unwanted kit to send out to Sri Lanka as part of the UCCE community work on their tour of the country.

The scheme, backed by the Yorkshire county Cricket Club and two of their top stars Ajmal Shahzad and Steve Patterson was launched by Rob Sutton, captain of Leeds Bradford UCCE captain and sponsorship coordinator Nick Davis as well as being supported by major international stars, Anthony McGrath (ex YCCC captain and England player), Tim Bresnan (current England squad member) and Martyn Moxon (YCCC Director of Cricket).

The campaign has quickly gained momentum with news items on the charity work appearing on Sky Sport News, ITV, BBC TV and newspapers. Since the launch, Yorkshire County Cricket Club has now stepped in to partner a ‘February Kit Amnesty’ which is expected to add extra weight to the campaign.

Stewart Regan, Chief Executive of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, which is donating a range of kit to the appeal, says: “It is a project that will not only benefit the touring team but will also deliver tangible benefits to communities still struggling with the aftermath of the devastating tsunami.”

Nick Davis of Leeds Bradford stated, "acceleris’ assistance and expertise continues to be invaluable. As one of only two UCCEs in the north of England, it is fitting that one of the north's leading marketing and communications companies is in partnership with us."

acceleris director Peter Davenport said, "We are delighted to help such a worthy cause. The students at Leeds Bradford recognise that they are in a privileged position but are extremely keen on helping fellow cricketers less fortunate than themselves. We all know how passionate Sri Lankans are about cricket and how many of their lives were devastated by the tsunami in 2004. The community work the students will be undertaking as part of the tour will bring great comfort and support to young cricketers in the country, so we are more than happy to help them achieve their targets."

Photo shows acceleris staff Claire Davis and Charlotte Schofield with Yorkshire cricketers at launching 'Kit-Aid' appeal.