Seaton, Axminster, Feniton and Whimple are among 50 clubs in Devon to sign-up for the ECB’s newest youth participation scheme, writes Conrad Sutcliffe.

All Stars Cricket, which starts rolling out in clubs this week, is targeted at primary school youngsters.

Axminster (5.15pm) and Seaton (4pm) get their All Stars clubs up and running this Friday.

Seaton youth manager Steve Pritchard has been out and about in local schools promoting All Stars as special assemblies. More than 20 boys and girls have registered to take part.

Whimple are waiting until Monday (5.45) to start their programme.

Feniton’s first All Stars session is on May 25 at 6pm.

Matt Cooke, one of the cricket development officers for Devon, is the All Stars project manager. He said the aim of the All Stars programme is to get youngsters interested in cricket for the first time.

“We want to show five to eight year olds through All Stars that cricket can be fun,” said Cooke.

“We want boys and girls to have a great first experience playing cricket - and for the mums and dads to join in too.

“There will be small-sides games with plastic bats and balls and activities that encourage basic cricket skills.

“The sessions last an hour and are due to run for eight weeks.”

All the local clubs involved in All Stars begin their programmes this week, apart from South Devon. They start on May 26

Clubs are already devising their own follow-up programmes to keep the new cricketers involved after All Stars ends in early July.

To find the club nearest running the All Stars initiative, go to https://www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars and follow the search prompts.

Registration is £40 per child and every child who signs up will receive an All Stars branded backpack full of goodies.