Swann Champions Kingfisher Sponsorship And Support For Grass Roots Cricket

Swann Champions Kingfisher Sponsorship And Support For Grass Roots Cricket

Graeme Swann has got behind Kingfisher's sponsorship of the national club competition

The first round of the renamed Kingfisher Beer Cup kicks off on the 29th April, the grass roots cricket equivalent of the FA Cup.

Kingfisher has recently signed a three-year partnership with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to sponsor the National Championship, renamed the Kingfisher Beer Cup.

Last year’s Champions Shrewsbury, along with 255 other clubs in England and Wales will compete this year to win the £5,000 winner’s cheque. This year's final will take place at Derby's county ground on September 16th.

At a Kingfisher Beer Press event in London Graeme Swann has spoken about his appreciation of the sponsorship and the importance of support for the recreational game.

Speaking affectionately Swann talked about his early years at Northampton Saints Cricket Club Swann said:

"My first senior club was Northampton Saints who I am still registered to today. The Saints used to play in the Cockspur Cup, former sponsors of the National Knockout. 

"I watched my Dad play in a semi-final once somewhere, and I remember playing a few great games around the Midlands area. I remember facing Steve Ogrizovic (the then Coventry goalkeeper) who bowled fast for Coventry and North Warwick’s cricket club when I was about 15. They were great days.

"The sponsorship support brands like Kingfisher give to the recreational game is very important. The clubs can be a real hub for the local community and can build friendships that last a lifetime. I still remember my club days as fondly as any cricket I have ever played in and still love going back to the Saints whenever I can for a couple of pints and to watch a game.

"Kingfisher have recently launched the Kingfisher Quiz and Curry night with the help of the Professional Cricketers Association, inviting predominantly amateur cricket clubs to host their own interactive quiz nights and drive investment back into the game."

Over 350 cricket clubs up and down the country have already registered to receive the Quiz pack which contains two interactive, video quizzes featuring Kingfisher Beer Ambassador Swann plus PCA ambassadors Darren Gough, Phil Tufnell and Alec Stewart. The fully downloadable quiz pack also contains everything you need to run a fantastic fundraising event including answer sheets, ticket templates and posters to advertise the event at your club.

Fresh from the Sri Lankan Tour and looking forward to England's Summer of cricket Swann added:

"I think the Kingfisher Quiz and Curry Night is a great idea. For one, it gets me beamed around cricket clubs across the country which has to be a good thing, and it’s a great way to raise money for clubs, as clubs rely on activity like this and it’s a fun way of doing it!"