PIETERSEN LAUNCHES NEW FOUNDATION PROJECT

Cricketer Kevin Pietersen has launched the KP24 Foundation’s first Sprite 24/7 Project, which will see seven teams of underprivileged teenagers take part in a 10 day cricketing camp in Dubai.

The 16-18 year olds will be from some of the most underprivileged areas in the world and enjoy training sessions with professional players and coaches, including Pietersen, before representing their countries in a T20 tournament.

As well as cricket, the players will have sessions to develop their career skills, take part in education team challenges and attend England’s T20 match with Pakistan at the Dubai Stadium.

The KP24 Leaders Course will also be delivered so participants can teach 10 week programmes to younger children in their home countries.

Teams from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kenya, Pakistan and an Australian Aboriginal team selected by Cricket Victoria take part alongside a locally-selected UAE side for the event, which runs from 25th November to 4th December.

Pietersen said: “I'm so excited to announce and launch this hugely ambitious project for a cause very dear to my heart.

“Throughout my career I’ve been so fortunate to travel all around the world and meet so many amazing people, so it was always my ultimate ambition to put something on which gave something back to these places.

“Wherever I’ve travelled, whether it be with England or playing franchise cricket, kids have always come to our training and joined in whenever they could. It’s forever been a regret of mine that our limited time in these areas meant I couldn’t repay them with the amount of time and attention they deserve.

“The event will see boys leave their countries, most of whom for the first time, and hopefully pick up the skills and confidence needed to improve their everyday life.

“Most importantly, everyone at the KP24 Foundation is determined for this not to be a short-term venture, so all the boys will learn a 10 week cricket coaching course which they can pass on to younger kids back home, who will hopefully turn into the next generation of cricketers.

“By also giving scholarships to stand-out members of each team, we’ll also support them as they continue their cricketing journey and hopefully make it to the international stage in their respective country’s colours.

“I'm incredibly proud and humbled to be able to put on this Sprite 24/7 Project and I can’t wait to meet all the boys out in Dubai.”