Sun Bank today announced that it is to sponsor the national Under 15 Club Cricket Championship. It takes over the sponsorship from Sun Life Financial of Canada, the parent company of Sun Bank, which has sponsored the tournament since 1985.

The tournament, initiated by the Lord's Taverners in 1972 and administered by the England and Wales Cricket Board, is seen as a breeding ground for aspiring cricketers, having helped develop the early talents of stars such as Nasser Hussain, Marcus Trescothick and Graham Thorpe.

In recent years, the tournament has gone from strength to strength and this year it will attract 1,500 teams from across the UK, allowing over 18,000 children to take part.

Commenting on the announcement, Mark Sismey-Durrant, Managing Director, Sun Bank plc, said: "Sun Bank is very pleased to be sponsoring the Under 15 Club Cricket Championship as our first ever national sponsorship. We believe it is important to help develop youth sport. By providing this support to the grass roots of the game, we are investing in the future of cricket."

Tim Lamb, Chief Executive of the ECB said: "I am delighted that Sun Bank has agreed to sponsor this tournament. We all know that grass roots development is vital for the future of the game, both in producing the next generation of players as well as new spectators and cricket enthusiasts. This competition plays an important role in this development."

"The Championship provides the focal point for Under 15 club cricket in the UK. It gives players something to aim for in their season and teaches them about winning and losing. Sun Bank is playing a part in providing a bright cricketing future."

This season's competition culminates in the national final, played on 29th August.

© ECB