AN APPEAL TO COLLECT ALL YOUR CRICKET GEAR FROM YOUR ATTICS AND GARAGES AND GET IT THROUGH TO FLICX - CALL US ON 01295 816765
Cricket Kit4 Africa is an initiate to help grow and build the game of cricket in Africa.
As the game and the popularity of cricket grows around the world so does the need for kit and equipment. This is especially the case in Africa, where you will find young create a game- Car parks, on the beaches and even in the middle of game parks.
Click the BBC graphic to the left to listern to Richard's interview on BBC Radio Oxford, the interview starts at 2:05
Cricket, as in many sports, allows young boys and girls to express themselves and gain new skills and talents. The youngsters are often found living with terrible poverty and surrounded by devastating diseases such as AIDS and TB. Cricket gives them an opportunity to break away from the realities of this devastating life and do those things that children should be doing - Living life and having fun.
The cost of kit becomes prohibitive for many young families and this is where the initiative of Cricket Kit4 Africa comes in.
CRICKET KIT4 AFRICA
Cricket kit 4 Africa is committed to obtaining old and second hand Cricket Kit that is no longer used or even damaged and getting it into the hands of those who will benefit from it in Africa - The initiative is driven by Flicx UK ( a cricket equipment company based in the UK , with roots in Africa).
“ It is our objective to work with cricketing bodies, clubs and individuals from around the world to collect old cricket kit, get it cleaned, repaired and in a fit state and get it into the hands of those enthusiastic youngsters who are possibly less privileged than ourselves - We are currently working with the Sussex and Oxfordshire County Cricket boards and hoping to expand to other boards as we grow.
We have large storage facilities and access to industrial sewing equipment to have any kit repaired and we are appealing to all those of you who may have kit in your garages or attics to contact us . We are also appealing for donations , no matter how big or small, to help fund this vital initiative. - Richard Beghin - Cricket Kit4 Africa
Cricket Kit4 Africa is currently working with two organizations in distributing the kit.
CRICKET WITHOUT BOUNDARIES
Cricket Without Boundaries (CWB) is a UK based charity dedicated to helping, educating and developing local communities around the World through the spread and growth of cricket. It is also about personal empowerment, both for adults and for children. The Charity uses the sport to help develop personal skills ranging from basic teamwork to self-discipline and leadership.
“We have coached over 10,000 youngsters in Africa over the last 5 years, working in countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Botswana – Our coaches go out on a regular basis and help develop young boys and girls in playing the game. The lack of kit is a restrictive factor and therefore we welcome this new initiative.
We ask all of you who may have kit lying around, no matter what condition, to donate and forward it, as opposed to throwing it out. It may play a vital role in changing one young persons life.” Ed Williams – Trustee
(If you want to find out more about Cricket Without Boundaries and possible support them or even go out to Africa to coach-you can contact them on Cricket Without Boundries
THE OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is in full support of the initiative “Cricket4Africa”. The 
game of cricket has begun to form an integral part of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s interaction with neighboring communities. Over the next 24 months we will be developing the game amongst the pupils of 6 nearby schools, using this a platform for social interaction and environmental education. Within 2 years we aim to field the first ever team of Masai cricketers at our annual “Cricket in the Wild” tournament. Any assistance we can get to facilitate this process would be warmly received”. Richard Vigne CEO.
You can find out more about the Ol Pejata Conservancy from their website
Cricket Kit 4 Africa is a fantastic initiative that will bring cricket to disadvantaged Maasai communities, schools and children in a remote, rural part of Kenya.
The Maasai are a pastoralist community who until recently have not had access to education and limited exposure to sports. The tall athletic build and physique of the Maasai, coupled with the fact that the warriors learn to throw a spear from an early age, gives them an added advantage particularly with pace bowling.
With the support of Cricket Kit 4 Africa, cricket development amongst the Maasai will enhance social cohesion, encourage teamwork, build self-confidence and most importantly encourage girls and boys to play together, breaking down gender barriers and influence community development.
It is through sports projects such as cricket development that livelihoods can be improved and youth can be empowered and exposed to opportunities previously denied them. Aliya Bauer – Cricket Coach Maasai Warriors
AFRICAN CRICKET ASSOCIATION
A recent statement from the head of the African Cricket Association.
“The ACA wholeheartedly support the Flicx initiative to continue to create and build cricket in Africa through their CRICKET 4 AFRICA campaign. This kit is vitally needed and will be most welcome. The cost of cricket kit is way beyond their means, yet the demand to play the game is high. The Cricketkit4Africa will play an important part in supporting the game”.
For more information about Flicx - Please click here www.flicx.co.uk