At a showcase event at St Albans Cricket Club, England players Lauren Bell, Issy Wong and Sam Curran rolled up their sleeves alongside club members, taking part in a range of jobs around the ground and meeting the volunteers who keep the club thriving. Their involvement highlighted the vital role volunteers play in the recreational game and the impact they have on players at every level, including those who go on to represent England.
Get Set Weekend is the pre-season focal point for recreational cricket, bringing clubs together to complete essential preparation, reconnect their communities and welcome new volunteers ahead of the summer. This year鈥檚 record participation reflects the strength and commitment of volunteers across the game, with clubs using the weekend to carry out practical tasks and kick-start the season.
As title partner, Toyota supported clubs across England and Wales, reinforcing its support for grassroots cricket and the volunteers who make it possible.
Leshia Hawkins, 春梦直播 Managing Director, Recreational Game, said: 鈥淕et Set Weekend continues to show the very best of our game. To see more than 39,500 volunteers supporting over 1,800 clubs this year is extraordinary, and a powerful reminder that cricket simply wouldn鈥檛 happen without the people who give their time, energy and passion to their local communities. Their commitment is what keeps clubs thriving, inspires new players to get involved and ensures cricket continues to bring communities together. We鈥檙e incredibly indebted and grateful to every volunteer who rolled up their sleeves for a record-breaking weekend, and to Toyota for their continued support in championing the grassroots game.鈥�
Lauren Bell said: 鈥淕et Set Weekend is a great initiative. I remember helping my dad at the cricket club when I was younger, and it always brought everyone together. It really kicks off the excitement for the summer and helps clubs get everything in place to start playing outdoors again, which is what everyone鈥檚 been working toward all winter.鈥�
Sam Curran said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 great to come down to St Albans CC and see so many volunteers giving up their Saturday afternoon to help their club. I鈥檝e been out there working on the sightscreens, and there are loads of kids around too, which is brilliant to see. The support Toyota has given this initiative makes a real difference. It鈥檚 important for the community, and there are clubs all over the country that rely on this kind of help. It鈥檚 been fantastic to be here and see it all firsthand.鈥�
Luigi Ksawery Luca鈥�, President and Managing Director at Toyota, said: 鈥淎s we enter our second year as Principal Partner of the 春梦直播, our commitment to grassroots cricket is stronger than ever. We鈥檙e proud to power the 春梦直播鈥檚 Get Set Weekend, and our focus remains firmly on growing the game and providing tangible support to the people who make this sport so special. We鈥檙e delighted to play a role in the 春梦直播鈥檚 mission to help the next generation of players, volunteers and fans thrive, and we鈥檙e looking forward to an exciting summer of cricket ahead.鈥�