A cricket club has been able to give more young players a chance to learn their trade this season thanks to the support of a local business.

Peterborough firm Smurfit Kappa’s sponsorship has enabled Whittlesey Cricket Club to field a Rutland Division Three first team and bring on a Rutland Division Seven team of predominantly younger players.

Gary Swan, vice chairman of Whittlesey Cricket Club, who play at Sir Harry Smith Community College, said: “Capturing a brand new shirt sponsor for 2014 is a great achievement for the club and gives us an added impetus to drive forward with our plans to develop the club’s family friendly sporting atmosphere.

“It is important that we involve the whole of the local community, including local employers.

“With Smurfit Kappa’s involvement this shows our peers and funding bodies such as Sport England the three-way strength of connection between the club, local industry and residents.”

David Upton, general manager for Smurfit Kappa Peterborough, said: “We are delighted to be putting our weight behind Whittlesey Cricket Club and those who they support.

“The opportunity to promote team building skills amongst young and old alike and with spectators, parents and players is a great chance for Smurfit Kappa to show how industry and local residents can support each other.

“As a local employer with many of our employees from the Whittlesey area we feel that we have a responsibility in the community to promote well-being outside of the workplace.

“By being involved with Whittlesey Cricket Club we are able to encourage a healthy lifestyle in a fun and active way.”