Nationwide to sponsor the National Under 15 Club Championship

The English Cricket Board has confirmed that following their merger with the Portman Building Society, Nationwide will sponsor the ECB National Under 15 Club Championship in 2008 - the remaining year of the sponsorship agreement.

The competition, now known as the Nationwide Under 15 National Club Cricket Championship, has gone from strength to strength since it was initiated by the Lord's Taverner's in 1972.

In recent years, it has been a breeding ground for aspiring cricketers, with players such as Nasser Hussain, Marcus Trescothick and James Anderson having participated in it.

England and Lancashire's Andrew Flintoff graced the 1993 competition scoring 234 not out in 20 overs, including 22 sixes!

In 2007, a record 1,704 clubs entered the Championship with 18,744 young cricketers taking part, an increase of 43 clubs from 2006, itself a record year.

ECB Commercial Director, John Perera, said "We are excited to be working with such a dynamic company who have a strong heritage in youth sports sponsorship. The partnership between the ECB and Nationwide will ensure this competition provides talented young cricketers with a national platform on which to perform".

A host of England and county stars attend the Final, which this year will take place at Kibworth on 21 August 2008.

Nationwide's Sponsorship Controller Chris Hull said: "It is a testament to the heritage and quality of the Nationwide Under 15 National Club Cricket Championship that it has produced so many World class performers over the years.

"The story of Andrew Flintoff's heroics in the competition in 1993 is just one fine example and Nationwide is thrilled to be the title sponsor of this event in 2008."

For further information, please contact the ECB Communications Department on 020 7432 1200

Nationwide Under 15 National Club Cricket Championship - REGIONAL FINALS:

Tuesday 29 July - York
Thursday 31 July - Weston Super Mare
Monday 4 August - Leamington Spa
Wednesday 6 August - Horsham

Nationwide Under 15 National Club Cricket Championship - NATIONAL FINALS:

Thursday 21 August - Kibworth CC, Leicestershire