Inspired by the Vision

I remember the day well – it was the 3rd November 2021 and I went along to the Kia Oval to introduce myself to the Surrey Cricket Foundation Management Team to see if there were any opportunities for us to sponsor some of the many great causes that the Foundation supports.

If you’re reading this and wondering why cricket, well I have 2 young sons who are cricket mad and as they became hooked on this wonderful sport in 2020, my own desire to link our Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with a cricket themed Charitable Foundation started to take shape.

When I met Chris Coleman and the team at the Foundation, I was overwhelmed by the amount of great work this foundation was already doing in the Community and the passion with which all the team spoke was awe inspiring. Shortly after this first meeting, Chris and I met again and Ayer Associates Limited agreed to be the headline sponsor for the England team to participate at the forthcoming Street Child United Street Child Cricket World Cup, taking place in India in 2023.

At the time, I can remember this feeling of excitement – what an amazing event to be associated with and this was further endorsed when we had the honour of meeting some of the representatives of the Street Child United Charity at the launch event at the Oval and the amazing work they do.

Over the course of the last 2 years, we have followed the preparation and planning leading up to the event and have also been along to see and participate in the training sessions that were organised by the foundation – a great way for the young people to come and participate in a range of activities and all in a safe place. Mind you, I didn’t feel that safe when I was persuaded to go into the nets armed with nothing but a plastic cricket bat to face the music! Granted it was only tennis balls but there was some seriously quick bowling on display and aided and abetted by my own Sons in attendance, the smiles on all their faces as they watched me take evasive action from flying tennis balls, made it all worthwhile! A big shout out to Elliott Rousen for all his dedication and hard work too on this programme.

Fast forward to the current day and as I write this blog, I am delighted to say that the Street Child United England Cricket Team are now in Chennai participating in the Street Child Cricket World Cup. Hosted in partnership with another great charity and one close to my heart – Save the Children. The work these charities do is amazing and if you have a moment, please visit the website at https://streetchildunited.org/ to find out more including how they are raising awareness and using the power of sport to provide a global platform for street children, so they can demand the protection, support, and opportunities every child needs.

To have played our small part in this is something that I am immensely proud of and it has been a humbling experience. It truly is ‘Inspired by the Vision’ or in this case - 'Inspired by the Street Child United Vision'.