GLOUCESTERSHIRE Cricket are hoping to again create their own version of the 2012 Olympic Games 'Games Makers' by looking for enthusiastic people to become ‘Cricketeers’.

Those successful in becoming 'Cricketeers' will join their expanding team of volunteers to help at the County Ground and at the Brewin Dolphin Cheltenham Cricket Festival this year.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to be involved in the NatWest T20 Blast fixtures, the club’s four ‘Schools’ Days’, where a total of 1,500 children watch a game, at The Women’s Ashes clash when England take on Australia in the Royal London One-Day International and at the Madness concert in September.

The club is building on the success of last year’s volunteering programme which saw a wide range of people, from students to full-time employed, help out at the Bristol NatWest T20 Blast fixtures and the England v India Royal London One-Day International.

“We were overwhelmed last year with the enthusiasm shown by every single Cricketeer,” said Roz Hutchings, Head of Community Engagement. “It was great to work alongside members of the community who simply wanted to get involved with Gloucestershire Cricket and help us create some amazing match day experiences. Plus, it is a great opportunity for people to gain work experience and develop their skills.”

To become a 'Cricketeer', it is not essential to have an experience or knowledge of cricket – although it helps, but most importantly Gloucestershire Cricket want volunteers who love big sporting occasions and are excited about creating a buzzing atmosphere.

The roles will include greeting spectators with a big smile as they arrive and thank them for coming as they leave, hand out freebies at the gates, help spectators find their way around the ground and be on hand to muck in and help in other areas such as catering, media and hospitality as needed.

“There are loads of benefits from becoming a Cricketeer,” Hutchings said. “Not only will you get to be involved in a fantastic summer of sport and get the chance to see Madness, every Cricketeer will be provided with full training plus, at the end of the programme, they will get to keep their kit, receive a certificate to show their participation and be given two tickets to come and enjoy a game next season.”

One of the Cricketeers from last year, Adam Whitty, a graduate from the University of Bristol, said: “I absolutely loved being part of the Cricketeers’ programme.

"I was able to get involved with a local organisation that is trying to do something really special in Bristol, gave up my own time to interact and be friendly with people in and around the county, and also got to watch some of the most exciting sport in the country. It really was a fantastic experience and one that I would recommend to anyone.”

Applications are now open for Cricketeers until 5pm on Friday April 10. For more information about the programme and how to apply, head to www.gloscricket.co.uk/cricketeers-match-day-volunteers/