THE good burghers of Kent Cricket Supporters’ Club continue to do more than their bit in terms of backing youth development of the game.

Funds raised through club raffles in their popular marquees at Canterbury and Tunbridge Wells, combined with cash from their regular 50/50 draws is regularly ploughed back into the game to ensure grass roots cricket is never overlooked.

Back in August the club paid £300 toward travelling costs for Kent’s Under-15s to attend the Radley College Tournament and another £4,500 has been found to send Academy Scholars Tom Elliott, James Goodman and Dan Stickles to India on an intensive training course in the New Year.

The supporters’ club’s backing will be extended next summer following news that they will also pay £500 to purchase embossed cricket balls for all Kent Cricket Board games, while Kent’s Girls teams will receive support to the same sum.

Kent’s academy director Paul Farbrace was fulsome in his praise for the club’s fund-raising and sponsorship work, carried out by the committee, their chairman Tony Clark and other stalwart members.

Farbrace said: "The support, in terms of interest and financial backing, we receive from Kent Supporters’ Club is nothing short of amazing.

"They’re always chipping in and wanting to help, not just with a little money here and there, but in other ways in which they think will help our young cricketers.

"They even invite some of the academy players into the marquees to say a few words about how they’re progressing, which is a great experience for them and a help in terms of them coping with interviews and the media should they ever go on to play in the first team.

"I really can’t thank the supporters’ club enough and I know the same goes for the KCB and Kent girls, with all that help, long may the club continue."