More than 70 children from across the West Midlands took to the famous outfield of Edgbaston for Skills Blast 2025 – a celebration of cricket, confidence and community hosted by the Warwickshire Cricket Foundation.
Cricket meets community spirit
The one-day event transformed the home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club into a playground for young players, offering professional coaching drills, team games, and fun-filled activities designed to build skills on and off the pitch.
Children were given a rare chance to follow in the footsteps of their sporting heroes, playing on the same turf that has hosted international cricket legends.
Mayor backs sport for all
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker attended the event and praised the Foundation’s efforts to boost inclusion through sport. “Events like the Skills Blast can inspire young people from every background to get active and realise their dream of a career alongside elite athletes,” he said.
Parker also highlighted the region’s potential to grow its sports economy, adding, “With the guidance of dedicated sports coaches and by working with skills providers we can make sure people that want to work in sports have the skills they need to succeed.”
Volunteers power the day
The event owed much of its success to the support of local volunteers. Sam Wyles, Workforce Development Manager, said the Foundation’s strategy gave newly qualified coaches a chance to lead sessions under staff supervision.
“The volunteers engaged well with the children and delivered some quality, fun, safe and engaging sessions,” Wyles added.
Skills Blast 2025 leaves behind more than just cricketing memories – it’s helped shape confidence, teamwork and ambition for the next generation of players and professionals.
