EXHALL and Wixford Cricket Club will be running three junior sides this season, while also staging its successful Kwik Cricket nights during June and July.

A major development during the winter has been the introduction of an Under-11s side that will compete on Monday nights in the Central and South Warwi-ckshire League.

The Under-16s and Under-13s will continue to play in the Cotswold Hills League

Kwik Cricket sessions take place on Monday nights and are aimed at all children up to and including Year 6. The first session is scheduled for June 5 and will conclude on July 10 with a barbeque and medal presentations.

The development of the youth structure is part of an overall plan to achieve ECB Clubmark status and discussions have already begun with the Warwickshire Cricket Board.

The club has appointed a Child Welfare Officer to ensure compliance with all child protection guidelines.

Outdoor nets for all juniors will be held at the ground from Sunday April 2 between 10am and 12 noon.

A third team has been accepted into the Cotswold Hills League with the intention of giving younger players, who are showing the appropriate signs of development, the opportunity to play league cricket.

Sunday, April 9 sees the club's traditional open day starting at midday. The bar will be open and refreshments provided and will be an ideal informal opportunity for any interested parents and players to learn more about the club and its plans.

Enquiries, in the first instance, should be made to youth development officer Richard Anson who can be contacted on 01789 721843 (bus), 07769 710858 (mob) or by e-mail at ranson3953-@aol.com.