Having seen only two kids turn up a year ago, a Bristol-based charity cricket project is now in rude health and transforming young lives across the city.

Wicketz, a Lord’s Taverners project using cricket as a tool for change, launched a hub in Bristol in February and has gradually grown in influence.

Weekly soft-ball sessions are conducted by qualified coaches in Southmead, Knowle and Fishponds, with a girls hub recently opened at Bristol Metropolitan Academy.

Volunteer Cian Davies, a coach at Gloucestershire CCC, has been blown away by the growth of the scheme from such humble beginnings.

“I first got involved when there were barely any kids going to Southmead,” said the 26-year-old. 

“It’s grown so much over the weeks, mostly through our work with schools and on social media in terms of growing exposure.

“We’ve got over 15 kids in Southmead now and that’s a considerable increase, making it a really enjoyable project to be involved with.

“It’s an amazing project, it helps kids not just get involved in cricket but also with their confidence and life skills.”

The programme aims to establish community cricket clubs in deprived areas where opportunities to play sport are lower than the national average.

As part of Wicketz, kids from the south-west spent three unforgettable days at the programme’s national festival at Repton School in Derbyshire from August 6-8.

The event brought together Wicketz participants from across the UK, with the Glasgow contingent thrown into teams alongside youngsters from the West Midlands.  

Using the school’s world-class facilities, the 8 to 16-year-olds were put through their paces by former Worcestershire bowler Kabir Ali and ex-England coach Peter Moores.

Davies hailed the work of the professionals that offered the kids the benefit of their wisdom, reserving particular praise for their patience.

“It’s brilliant that our kids got to work with such big names in the game,” said Davies, a former player for the Welsh national learning difficulties team. 

“Peter and Kabir are really experienced guys and they were so incredible with the kids.

“Although they only met them for five minutes, it looked like they’d been working together for six months.

“It was incredible to see the way the kids looked up to them and I can’t rate the guys highly enough for taking time out to see them.”

Derbyshire all-rounder Luis Reece – on hand to share his expertise with bat and ball – was enthused by the energy of the young participants.

“Everyone should have the opportunity the game we love and this programme offers that to kids who might not otherwise get the chance,” said the former Lancashire ace.

“They are talented kids who all came down with a smile on their face and asked me lots of questions, which is very rewarding to see.”

Using cricket as a tool for change, Wicketz is aimed at hard-to-reach youngsters aged 8-16 within areas of high deprivation across the UK, by engaging young people who live in communities where there are few opportunities to play the game regularly.