More than 2,000 cricket clubs have so far registered for this year's NatWest CricketForce, the annual pre-season spruce-up due to take place on the weekend of 27-29 March.

Entering its 14th year, the scheme encourages thousands of players, members and volunteers to help rejuvenate their local club in England and Wales. Projects range from simple paint jobs and sight screen cleaning to brand-new changing rooms, function rooms, and even new pavilions.

Tenterden CC, in Kent, have been selected as this year’s NatWest Cricket Force showcase club on Friday 27 March. The club will be gathering volunteers from their members, local community, Kent County Cricket Club and NatWest staff to get their ground ready. NatWest have been the lead supporters of CricketForce since 2005, providing staff and resource at clubs nationwide across the weekend.

Mike Gatting, for the ECB, said: “Year on year NatWest CricketForce continues to inspire and grow - we’re hoping for a record breaking year with a month to go for clubs to get involved. All clubs can benefit from a range of discounts on equipment through ECB partnerships with suppliers.

“The initiative is a proven way to attract new members and engage with the wider local community and businesses. Cricket clubs are the essence of our great sport and it’s vital we rally to support them.”

Lee Bailey, NatWest sponsorship manager added: “NatWest CricketForce is a fantastic initiative that we are extremely proud of. It helps us connect our branches with the communities in which they are based and demonstrates our contribution to developing cricket in this country.”

He added: “One of the great things about NatWest CricketForce is that you can see the benefits happening in front of your very eyes, so with all the superb support and commitment devoted to the initiative we can create a lasting cricket legacy.”

www.ecb.co.uk/nwcf