Student raises money to go on tour with the England Lions indoor cricket team to Sri Lanka

Posted 16 February 2018

Will Roobottom, BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Farm Business Management student, has been raising money to go on tour with the England Lions indoor cricket team to Sri Lanka.

The England Lions cricket team is England and Wales’ “second-tier” team, below the full England cricket team. The second tier team is largely intended for younger cricketers and help them to gain experience playing international cricket.

Will, 21, from Rugeley, Staffordshire said: “Playing at international level, and representing England in a sport that I love, has been a lifelong ambition.

“I’m really excited to go to Sri Lanka to experience cricket at a high level. I’m thrilled to be able to travel and experience a completely different culture; especially seeing how it differs to England.

“It was at Willows Sports Centre, in Derby, where I joined the junior league and my love for indoor cricket began. I was then promoted to county level in Staffordshire’s under 14s.

“One of my fondest memories is hitting a seven off the last ball of a game to tie, in the under 17s league.

“More recently, I was asked to join the men’s national league when they were short of players, before being selected as a permanent member of their team. I must have done something right, as I was then selected by the centre manager at Derby, Rick Smith, for the England under 19s trials.

“Had the funding not been cut for this trip, where I’d been selected for the World Cup team, I’d have had the chance to travel to New Zealand. This only makes the Sri Lanka tour all the more exciting to be a part of.

“While at Harper, I’ve established a cricket club and organised fixtures against other local teams while continuing to captain the Northern Knights national indoor league team.

“Since I got my unexpected call up to England Lions in November last year, it’s been a whirl-wind; attending training in Birmingham and seeking sponsorship. Hopefully I’ll show promise on the tour, putting me in contention for the 2020 Wold Cup selection!

“So far to raise money, I’ve approached many companies to sponsor me. As well as that, my grandma is doing a flower demonstration to help raise money for me to go on tour and I’m also organising a pub quiz at my local pub.”

Will has currently raised £700 out of the £2000 goal. To donate to Will’s cause, please place a donation through his JustGiving page.