Cash boost for Wellington Cricket Club

The Birmingham League outfit allowed the Telford-based ICT company to use their Orleton Park facilities to host a fundraising event for Fujitsu's partner charity Action for Children.

Employees staged a rounders competition and barbecue with proceeds and donations taken on the day going to the charity.

To show their appreciation to Wellington, it was agreed that a portion of the funds raised would be donated to the club's youth academy.

It's in the hope that the cash could be used toward the development of the youngsters, kit and travel costs.

Wellington's youth chairman Norman Ross said: "On behalf of the coaches and youngsters at Wellington Cricket Club, I would like to sincerely thank Fujitsu for this kind donation.

"This generous gift will help towards the cost of running our exciting new youth academy programme."

Wellington CC have been running a number of training sessions for their most talented youngsters over the winter at the National Sports Centre, Lilleshall.

Nine lads aged between 14 and 17 have just completed a dozen intensive sessions.

It came under the supervision of first-team coach Ross Edwards focused on improving small areas identified by the players themselves.

And Edwards was delighted with the cash boost as he sets about identifying the next crop of potential Wellington first teamers.

He said: "Without doubt we are indebted for the support from Fujitsu which has enabled us to run a quality programme for our most talented youngsters.

"They have aspirations of playing first team cricket in the Birmingham & District League for Wellington in the future."

"The progress made by the players was only possible due to the small number of players and the assistance of a number of the club's coaches including Norman Ross, Stephen Moules and Steve Lamb."

Sam Topper is one of the academy players who has been tipped by Edwards to make an impression in the first team in the near future.

He added: "It has been great to be able to have the time with small numbers to be able to focus on specific aspects of my game, as I try to make the final strides towards playing in the first-team at Wellington."

Martin Simmelker, representative from Fujitsu said: "On behalf of the Fujitsu Services, it was a pleasure to present a cheque for £250.

"We hope will help toward the cricket club's youth academy and we wish the group all the very best for the future."