Kent and England Women’s captain Charlotte Edwards is calling on more children to take up or get involved in cricket.

The 35 year old is one of the most successful women cricketers to have ever played the game, winning the Ashes, along with many other accolades from the game.

Now nearing the twilight of her career, Edwards, who was awarded a CBE in 2014, is looking to give something back to the game that has served her so well and she is looking to inspire more children, especially girls to get into cricket.

Speaking at the launch of Natwest CricketForce, an initiative run by the ECB to get volunteers to help support their local cricket club ahead of the impending season, Edwards admitted it was nice to see so many young volunteers getting involved:

“It’s always an important day in the calendar and symbolises the start of the cricket season.”

“Young people are important to the growth of our game and it’s great that local clubs across Kent are investing in their facilities and that will attract youngsters to their club.”

“I think they need to understand there is an awful lot of work that goes into running a cricket club. Things don’t just happen and we need lots of good young volunteers.”

“That’s something I have learnt on making my way to the top, a lot of people have helped me along the way and first and foremost, that happens at your local cricket club.”

“Volunteers are very special within our game and I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

For those of the younger generation that may not be inclined to play many sports, Edwards explained there were loads of chances still to be involved with a local cricket club:

“It’s not just about the cricket, it’s about developing these young people as human beings and there is plenty for them to do at cricket clubs. They could learn to become the treasurer, the secretary, whatever it may be and they don’t need to be brilliant at cricket.”

“Those people are just as important as the people out on the field and that’s one thing I fully understood as I got older.”

“I would encourage anyone to get involved with their local cricket club. The ECB Young Leaders look to get young people into learning various other aspects of the game such as umpiring and scoring and that gives more avenues into the game.”