Scheme to provide support for boys and girls
A foundation in memory of a popular Shropshire cricketer is looking to help youngsters in the county develop their passion for the game.
The McCarney Foundation was set up following the sudden passing of Eugene McCarney after a short battle with liver cancer
Eugene was a well-known figure in cricketing circles in Shropshire having played for Knockin & Kinnerley, Tibberton, Quatt and Shelton over the past 30 years.
Since the Foundation was launched, money have been pouring in thanks to fundraising events including a national Wear It Red Day which saw supporters up and down the country proudly showing off their red T-shirts designed exclusively by the team at Hawk Cricket.
Later that month, members of the Shelton CC ran the Shrewsbury 10k, and there has also been support from the company Eugene worked for – employment agency Staffline recently held a charity Golf Day and are actively supporting the foundation.
Now the Foundation’s trustees are looking for the first beneficiaries of the fund – young boys and girls in Shropshire involved in cricket.
Vice-chairman Jim Cadwallader said: “We are looking to take our inspiration from Eugene’s own story. His dad died when he was young and the family had to work hard to make ends meet.
“When he was a youngster in Pembroke and getting involved in sport, he was gifted a bat by a senior player at a local club which helped him start his cricket journey and develop his life-long love of the game.
“It’s this kind of simple gift of kindness we want to replicate for young boys and girls in Shropshire now.
“Cricket can be an expensive sport to get involved with due to the cost of buying all the kit. The foundation is looking for nominations from cricket clubs of youngsters whose families maybe are struggling to buy all the gear they need.
“We’re not looking to develop a future England star or First Class cricketer, we just want to make sure all youngsters have the opportunity to get involved.
“We want to ignite in them that passion for the game that Eug had thanks to that simple act of kindness when he was a youngster.
“Cricket is a great game which mixes people from all walks of life. It teaches you how to talk to people, respect others, socialise and develop life-long friendships.
“We want to help start youngsters of this journey, and hopefully develop individuals who go on to become integral members of their clubs for years to come.”
The Foundation aims to help by handing over cricket equipment supplied by Hawk, or perhaps with coaching, transport or psychological support.
For more information on the McCarney Foundation, you can go to the website https://www.themccarneyfoundation.com and you can follow it on:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheMcCarneyFoundation/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mccarney_foundation/
Twitter https://twitter.com/The_EMc_Found
The nomination form is available HERE which will then be considered by the trustees.