2015 promises to be another exciting year of educational opportunities at Glamorgan Cricket!
The Welsh county will once again be proudly playing host to the opening Test of this summer's Investec Ashes series with England and Australia going head-to-head in a five-day contest (8th - 12th July). Like its counterpart in 2009, the Test will attract a capacity crowd at the SWALEC Stadium and global television audiences in excess of 40 million.
As well as the annual programme of Stadium Tours and match-day activities, Glamorgan Cricket is delighted to offer the chance to visit a specially-themed Ashes Exhibition in the award-winning CC4 Museum of Welsh Cricket and an opportunity for schoolchildren to be part of what sports historians rightly call The Greatest Cricket Match on Earth.
Below are some of the exciting opportunities which Glamorgan Cricket are offering in 2015:
On Match-Days
WATCH AND PLAY
Dates available:
April 20th, 21st, 22nd;
May 4th, 5th, 6th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st;
June 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Watch and Play initiative has been hugely popular during the past few seasons, and once again, we will be delighted to welcome accompanied groups - free of charge - to home games which Glamorgan stage in the LV=County Championship at the SWALEC Stadium.
Watch and Play allows pupils to watch the county players in action as well as receiving coaching and taking part in skills drills in the National Cricket Centre. A visit to the CC4 Museum of Welsh Cricket, is also incorporated with pupils having the chance to use the interactive displays, including the Wii-based simulation called BATIO which gives an opportunity to bat against Welsh sporting legends such as Robert Croft, Simon Jones and Don Shepherd.
WATCH AND WRITE
Dates available:
April 20th, 21st, 22nd;
May 4th, 5th, 6th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st;
June 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th
This is a popular extension of the Watch and Play activity with pupils also undertaking a literacy-based activity during their match-day visit. As well as watching play, having a skills drills session in the National Cricket Centre and visiting the CC4 Museum of Welsh Cricket, this activity includes an opportunity for the pupils to write about what they experience - possibly a match report, a description of their visit to the cricket or something about the history of the game or a favourite player.
An experienced teacher will accompany your group whilst they take undertake this activity and enhance their literacy skills as well as their knowledge of cricket, with their visit being free of charge. Take a look at what Dylan Thomas School produced on their last visit below
Further information will appear shortly on the Glamorgan website about the other Match Day activities, including Guard of Honour and Match-Day Mascots.
On Non-Match Days
WALES AND THE ASHES EXHIBITION
The CC4 Museum of Welsh Cricket is proudly hosting a special exhibition throughout 2015 which chronicles the links between players from Glamorgan Cricket and some of the most famous moments in Ashes history, including Bodyline, Ian Botham's series-winning efforts in 1981 and the success of Welsh pace bowler Simon Jones in the never-to-be-forgotten series of 2005. The exhibition is free to enter and also looks at the origin of the Ashes and the iconic urn, as well as the batting genius of Australian legend Don Bradman. Visiting schools will also be able to combine a visit to the Exhibition with having a special presentation about some of these Ashes themes, besides having a tour of the SWALEC Stadium, as outlined below.
THE ASHES EXPERIENCE - STADIUM TOURS
In 2009 the SWALEC Stadium became the world's 100th Test Match venue and during the coming months, groups will be able to have an exclusive behind the scenes tours of the SWALEC Stadium which in July will be hosting the opening Test of the 2015 Ashes series. The tour includes a visit to the changing rooms which Australia, like other visiting teams, will use as well as seeing other parts of the players area before visiting the Media Centre to see the area used by journalists as well as the commentary boxes and TV studios which will be used to broadcast the Ashes Test. The Ashes Experience Stadium Tours can be arranged either in the mornings or the afternoons, and cost just £3 per pupil.
GET IN TOUCH
If you are interested in making a booking for any of the above, please send an email to museum@glamorgancricket.co.uk or ring 02920 419383. Further information will also appear shortly on the Glamorgan website ( www.glamorgancricket.com ) about the other Non-Match Day activities, including Summer Camps.
TESTIMONIALS
Here are some of the comments from practicing teachers about their visits to the home of Glamorgan Cricket:
This was undoubtedly one of the best visits we have ever made. All of our pupils agreed,
and they had a super time.
An excellent idea to incorporate a visit to the Cricket Museum into our school trip. The museum presenter was wonderful and the children were captivated by the history, exhibits and interactive activities.
A first-class experience for the children - entertaining, educational and good fun!
Great day, great museum. Had a fabulous time with the kids- they learnt a lot about Glamorgan and the history of the game.
This was undoubtedly one of the best visits we have ever made. All of our pupils agreed, and they had a super time.