MICHAEL VAUGHAN calls on clubs to begin planning for Fundraising Festivals over the August Bank Holiday weekend August 28-30, 2010.

NatWest CricketForce, the biggest volunteering initiative in UK sport with over 85,000 volunteers, aims to raise thousands of pounds for grassroots cricket clubs during the August Bank Holiday weekend. Marking the launch of the first ever NatWest CricketForce Fundraiser, former England Captain Michael Vaughan is encouraging clubs to celebrate the Bank Holiday by creating fundraising events, to assist ongoing club refurbishment and funds for new equipment.

Supporting the inaugural NatWest CricketForce Fundraiser weekend Michael Vaughan has signed and donated 100 cricket bats, which are up for grabs for the first 100 clubs to register their event. The signed bats can be used by clubs to auction as part of their fundraising day, which could include anything from a Twenty20 match and coaching sessions to BBQs, cricket quizzes, kids face painting and cake stalls.

Clubs registering for the NatWest CricketForce Fundraiser weekend in August, will also be in with the chance of winning the exclusive opportunity for a current England player to visit their club before the end of the season. To secure the once in a lifetime visit, tell NatWest and the ECB in 200 words why your club should win and email natwestcricketforce@ecb.co.uk Generating vital funds for clubs, NatWest and The ECB are recommending the money raised by clubs during the Fundraiser weekend is used for short term requirements, but also put towards regeneration projects during the 2011 NatWest CricketForce weekend, which takes place on the 8th, 9th and 10th April 2011. NatWest and the ECB are aiming to break the 2010 record of 1,642 clubs participating in NatWest CricketForce. Register now at www.ecb.co.uk/natwestcricketforce David Leighton, ECB Club Programmes Manager said, "Cricket clubs at all levels of the game rely on the financial support of the players and local communities who enjoy the facilities. The NatWest CricketForce Fundraiser events will provide a second NatWest CricketForce date in the diary, allowing clubs to come together and have some Bank Holiday fun, and in the process raise money."

Helen Page, NatWest Managing Director for Marketing, said, "NatWest CricketForce has grown into the most successful volunteering initiative in UK sport. As NatWest celebrate 30 Years supporting cricket, we remain committed to working with the ECB to create new campaigns, such as the NatWest CricketForce Fundraiser weekend to improve and sustain grassroots cricket. We encourage clubs across England and Wales to enjoy the Bank Holiday and get involved."

Joining the NatWest CricketForce Fundraiser weekend in August will be a number of current and former England cricket stars, who will be heading to a showcase event at Prestwich Cricket Club in Lancashire from 10am-7pm on Monday August 30.

To register your club for the NatWest CricketForce Fundraiser weekend and receive a range of posters, leaflets and information to help organise and promote your event email: natwestcricketforce@ecb.co.uk