London, Jun 10: A host of veteran and present British cricket stars, including former captain Mike Gatting, Gladstone Small and Women's captain Charlotte Edwards, launched a national drive yesterday to select promising youngsters who could be groomed for the future of the sport in the country.

Launched at Warwickshire Colts Ground in Edgbaston, Birmingham, the programme will give over 2000 state school children the opportunity to attend cricket skills camps in June to develop cricketing, leadership and teamwork skills, reported The Sun. The "Chance to Shine" campaign, backed by the British Army and the Cricket Foundation, aims to make cricket popular in state schools, reaching nearly one-third of all schools in England and Wales over ten years and engaging two million youngsters, added the paper.

During the three-day camps, teams of 14-year-old boys and girls will tackle assault courses, climbing walls and paint-balling and learn batting, bowling, fielding and team work skills.

Wasim Khan, Operations Director for the campaign, said: "The Chance to shine skills camps bring hundreds of teenagers together to learn new skills, develop interests and have fun at the same time. We're delighted to have the support of the British Army and their activities add a unique dimension to the skills day."

The four camps spread over June will take place in Warwickshire, Lancashire, Cheshire and Worcester.

Each will be supported by current and former England cricketers, including Vikram Solanki, Sajid Mahmood and Dominic Cork.

ANI