STUDENTS at Bridgwater College Academy enjoyed the launch of a new sports initiative last week, with the help of Somerset County Cricketer, Alfie Ogborne. 

On Thursday, October 17, students participated in the launch of QUICKHIT, a new cricket initiative from Bridgwater based sports coaching and playground development specialists, Inspired Schools.

The children were joined by Inspired Schools and Somerset County Cricketer, Alfie Ogborne, as they got the opportunity to experience using their brand new QUICKHIT cricket markings for the first time.

QUICKHIT is a simplified, fast paced version of cricket designed to encourage more state school children to take an interest in the game and provide schools with a great way to keep their children active.

Alfie Ogborne, Somerset and Bridgwater Cricketer, said: “I'm from a state school background myself, it's great to see the children playing cricket on the playground out of season and through the winter months."

He added: "I rarely see cricket being encouraged to be played during break times in state schools, I'm lucky my dad is cricket mad so I have lots of exposure to the sport but in school I can't recall playing cricket in school more than 10 times.”

“The fact that these children can play cricket everyday through the year is really refreshing. So much enthusiasm and excitement, they're all happy, no complaining and there's some real talent here! It's just a shame none of them have a club yet, I'm going to have to sign them on.”

Just like a netball or football court, the QUICKHIT playground markings are a permanent fixture on the school playground and have been designed to clearly mark out batting, bowling and fielding stations.

Simon Lock, PE Lead Primary and Secondary at Bridgwater College Academy, commented: “The QUICKHIT cricket pitch has been a great success. The children are having a lot of fun playing cricket at break and lunch times. It is easy to use and either introduces children to the game of cricket or helps to improve the skills of those that have played already.”

He added: “One of the biggest factors is the development of citizenship and sportsmanship whilst playing, the students are self-sufficient running the games and to witness the positive communication and coaching within is absolutely fantastic.”

QUICKHIT constantly rotates to ensure every child has a chance to participate regardless of age or ability and to ensure maximum engagement, inclusivity and teamwork. The children at BCA now have the facility to play a safe version of cricket every day of the school year.

Greg Snook, Inspired Schools and QUICKHIT Schools Development Manager: “We've had an amazing day at BCA to launch our new QUICKHIT Cricket in Bridgwater. Great to see the drastic improvement in technique within the first hour of the session. Only one child in this group had played cricket outside of school prior to yesterday's launch. Some very talented cricketers who otherwise wouldn't have realised how good they can become.”

“I saw some massive boosts in confidence and belief. Amazing enthusiasm and encouragement for their peers, even during breaktime. Couldn't be more happy with the results. So good to have Alfie there to show these children there's no limit to what state school cricketers can achieve!”