Drum Property Group today (26 May 2016) announces a unique partnership with Aberdeenshire Cricket Club to deliver an in-school cricket programme, Redball.

Initially working in four Aberdeen primary schools, 180 children aged nine to eleven will benefit from the opportunity to learn and play cricket. It is expected that for almost all children this will be a first experience of the sport.

The Redball programme, is based on Cricket Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence strategy and is designed to allow maximum participation, assist teachers and pupils to achieve curriculum outcomes, and ensure cricket is delivered in a fun and engaging way.

Cricket has traditionally been a popular sport in Aberdeen, with a strong heritage and participation through clubs across the city and Shire, but those numbers have declined in recent years, and this partnership, made possible by the generous funding from Drum Property Group is the first steps in growing the game again.

There are a number of key delivery stakeholders in this ambitious project, including Cricket Scotland and SportScotland, who have contributed to funding the necessary equipment. The programme is currently being rolled out across Airyhall, Hazlehead, Kaimhill and Mile End schools and involves 180 P5 and P6 children.
Drum Property Group communications director Fife Hyland comments:

“We’re really pleased to be able to support this community initiative with Aberdeenshire Cricket Club that will give children the chance to have fun playing sport. We all know how important it is to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle, but often that message is accompanied by the so-called main sports in Scotland. As a major investor in the North East, we wanted to lend our support to the Redball programme, and its great to see so many enjoying these in-school courses.”

Bob Buchan, Cricket Convener of Aberdeenshire Cricket Club adds:

“We are delighted with the support provided by Drum and by Cricket Scotland Head of Community Development Ian Sandbrook and Regional Participation Manager Neil Cameron in the development of the program. SportScotland’s grant to help with the equipment and coach training and Stuart Grant’s co-ordination with the schools is also gratefully appreciated by Aberdeenshire Cricket Club.”

Ian Sandbrook, Cricket Scotland Head of Participation says:

“It’s fantastic to see Aberdeenshire Cricket Club, with the support of Drum Property Group, proactively engaging with their local community and spreading the word of our great sport. We strongly believe that this fun and engaging programme will help get kids active and develop their physical, cognitive and social skills. I`m sure the programme will also encourage more youngsters to head to Mannofield to try cricket over the summer.”