Young Carers enjoy a day out playing cricket with Surrey stars at the Oval

Young carers from London, Surrey and Essex have enjoyed a wonderful day out at the Oval, home of Surrey Cricket and the oldest test match venue in the world.

The day out was the brainwave of Theresa Peters, Accessibility Officer at Surrey Cricket. She got the idea after meeting a young carer and learning about the pressures and challenges faced by young people caring for a sick or disabled relative, and just how hard it can be for young carers to get a break and enjoy time out with their friends.

So she contacted Carers Trust to say that Surrey Cricket would be delighted to host young carers, their families and support workers at any day of Surrey’s four day game against Hampshire.

Not even the damp weather could dampen the spirits of the young carers who had travelled to the ground from Essex and South London. They were treated to a tour of the historic ground where they heard how the ground had staged cricket’s first ever test match, as well as the first FA Cup final. 

And during a rain break they got to play with a trio of Surrey cricket stars: Ben Geddes, Yusuf Majid and Josh Blake. The young carers were soon unfurling their shots, including one powerful clip through mid-wicket off spin-maestro Yusuf Majid.

After lunch the young carers met Chevy Green, Director of the ACE programme, an initiative launched by Surrey Cricket in 2020. ACE is having a huge impact in its work to engage more young people of African and Caribbean heritage with cricket.

Perhaps most excitingly of all, Surrey team mascot, Caesar the Lion, dropped in to say hello and watch some cricket with the young carers to round off a thrilling day out.

Looking back on the day, Theresa Peters from Surrey cricket said:

“It has been a wonderful day and a privilege to host this group of special young people. I am so proud that Surrey Cricket and the Oval got behind the day. It was great to see the smiles on the young carers’ faces as they started playing with the Surrey players. I am sure we have some budding cricketers among them!”

Andy McGowan, Policy and Practice Manager for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers at Carers Trust, continued:

“We are so grateful to Theresa, Judy Wallis and everyone at Surrey Cricket for making this such a memorable and special day for young carers. It is easy for young people to feel overwhelmed sometimes by their caring roles which is why it’s so important for them to have a day away from their responsibilities and the chance to have fun with their friends. Thank you to everyone at Surrey Cricket for helping make that happen today.”