At the start of the 2009 cricket season The Lord’s Taverners embarked on a new initiative to form long-term commercial partnerships with a number of County Cricket Clubs.

The aim of the programme is to allow the Charity to forge closer links with all levels of the game – from grassroots cricket and local Clubs to first-class County level. Working alongside the County Grounds also gives our Regions a platform to run joint fundraising events, host minibus and kit presentations to schools and network within the local community. This raises the profile of the Charity and allows access to a wider audience.

Key objectives of the programme:

• Develop a long-term Charity Partnership between The Lord’s Taverners and the Counties
• Enhance existing relationship between The Lord’s Taverners Regions and County Clubs
• Increase funding opportunities for Clubs and The Lord’s Taverners
• Build and grow local relationships within cricket for both organisations

Essex County Cricket Club was the first to agree a partnership with the Charity, making The Lord’s Taverners its ‘Official Recreational Charity Partner’ for the 2009 season. This has now been extended into 2011.

We have since formed similar partnerships with Hampshire, Kent, Middlesex, Somerset and Warwickshire, with each agreement tailored to suit the needs of the County Clubs and the respective Lord’s Taverners Regions. For example, with Taunton being the home of England women's cricket, the Somerset partnership has a specific focus on girl’s cricket.

Gloucestershire and Leicestershire are close to signing up with us, while Durham, Lancashire and Surrey have also expressed an interest to develop stronger links with The Lord’s Taverners.

"We have thoroughly enjoyed working with The Lord’s Taverners Essex Region to support and help raise funds for such a worthy cause.”
David East, Chief Executive of Essex CCC

"Having access to such a fabulous facility in the Region has allowed us to raise the profile of the Charity to a new audience – a great partnership that is destined to grow.”
Les Rowland, Chairman of The Lord’s Taverners Essex Region

"Middlesex CCC are thrilled to have this formal tie-up with the Lord's Taverners. Although we have always enjoyed a strong relationship with the premier cricket charity, this new partnership will ensure that the fantastic work that the Taverners do for so many under-privileged children is recognised by all of us fortunate enough to be associated with our great game. It’s fabulous to see the England captain and Middlesex player Andrew Strauss supporting the Taverners, and we are looking forward to working closely with the Taverners in 2011".
Vinny Codrington, Chief Executive of Middlesex CCC

For more information about the County Partnerships Programme, please contact Shona Langridge, Head of Fundraising & Communications, on 020 7821 2810.