Alastair Cook has been awarded a Benefit Year by Essex County Cricket Club for 2014. 
 
International commitments restrict the amount of events Cooky can host.
However, he is very keen to do something special for some of the counties youngest cricketers. 
It is his wish that over 100 clubs affiliated to the Essex County Cricket Board should have the opportunity to send a few of their young cricketers to the County Ground for a special coaching experience. 
 
This memorable day at Essex County Ground is set for June 5th 2014 and will culminate in a very special Twenty 20 match that evening that they hope the whole Essex Cricket fraternity will support. 
I am delighted to inform you that our club has been selected to nominate youngsters for the coaching day. The day itself will involve coaching by Alastair and his cricketing pals during 2 age group specific sessions. 

We have 7 boys in total attending, 4xU9 & 3xU11. 

Cooky’s Big Bash has the following players confirmed. Within the Essex side will be the big hitting prowess of Ryder, Bopara, Napier, Ten Doeschate, Foster et al and the bowling skills of Panesar. Cooky’s All Stars are shaping up with the following confirmed…Cook, Swann, Anderson, Harmison, Gough, Irani, Tudor, Grayson, Prichard, Stephenson, Such,Flower.

Full details will be found at www.cookybenefityear.com and tickets can be bought from www.essex-live.co.uk

I am sure you will join me in hoping all the young cricketers have a wonderful day being coached by some of the best players in the world.

Peter O'Donnell