Watch out Sir Alan Sugar - new apprentices on the block in Sussex

Four youngsters from Sussex who have taken part in a pilot project called The Shark Apprentice Scheme have recently been able to place their products on sale in time for Christmas.

During the summer, the Sussex Cricket Board, working alongside Worldwide Volunteering, launched the Shark Apprentice Scheme, enabling young people to apply to become volunteer fundraisers for the Sussex Cricket in the Community Trust (SCCT), which is celebrating 25 years of support to the development of cricket in the county.

Emma Boyns, who is from Southbourne and attends Lavant House School, Emily Boardman from Worthing, Peace Chen from Horsham and Yasmeen Hazy of Upper Beeding were successful with their idea and have produced a 2012 calendar and a special Christmas card to celebrate the work of the SCCT, and the tireless effort that takes place across Sussex in partnership with all local clubs.

The calendars and cards make great personal gifts and are primarily aimed at local cricket clubs who may want to buy the products in bulk from the Shark Apprentices to sell on to their own members, in turn raising even more money for recreational cricket in Sussex.

David Robinson, volunteer cricket co-ordinator, said: “We aimed for young people to work in groups similar to the TV programme The Apprentice, designing and executing a project to ultimately raise funds for SCCT.

“Those chosen in the first instance had the chance to pitch their ideas to a panel at the PROBIZ County Ground in the summer, before going on to deliver the proposed projects.

“The programme was designed to be fun and exciting as well as a chance for the youngsters to prove their capabilities and learn from working in groups and with other young people.”

Amy Holtz, volunteering project manager for Worldwide Volunteering in the south east, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Sussex Cricket Board and such an innovative scheme; it is amazing what young people can achieve when they are given opportunities to volunteer.”

Individually the calendars are £7.99 each and cards £1.75 each, while significant savings are available for orders of up to 50 calendars and up to 100 cards, as well as mixed packs of both.

To place your order, or to find out more information about the products, please contact Emma Boyns on 07808 718457 or email [email protected]

There is also an opportunity for a series of calendars autographed by Sussex and England stars Matt Prior and Mike Yardy and Sussex coaches Mark Robinson and Mark Davis.

A copy of an autographed calendar will be sent to the first ten local cricket clubs who order and return a cheque for £100 of calendars and cards. Clubs who order and pay for a minimum of £50 of calendars and cards will have their names placed in a draw for a bat signed by the Sussex squad.