Members of Kings Bromley Cricket Club junior section with Jean Matthews Gough at the club’s ground

The daughter of a sporting legend has given new junior cricket teams the seal of approval.

Grandmother-of-eight Jean Matthews Gough, whose father was footballer Sir Stanley Matthews, described the achievements of Kings Bromley Cricket Club as “fantastic” after watching young members play a friendly match together.

Members of Kings Bromley Cricket Club junior section with Jean Matthews Gough at the club’s ground
Members of Kings Bromley Cricket Club junior section with Jean Matthews Gough at the club’s ground

The 74-year-old, who is the patron of the Sir Stanley Matthews Coaching charity, paid a visit to the club’s Crawley Lane ground after the foundation provided funding for the junior side to professionally train up adult coaches.

The village’s junior side, which consist of both under 9s and under 11s teams, was only launched two years ago but has gone from strength to strength to boast more than 30 young members.

Former PE teacher and tennis coach Mrs Matthews Gough, said: “Our aim is to get more kids involved in sport and not just in terms of coaching them in a sport but also teach them life skills, like sportsmanship and team spirit.

“What they have been able to achieve in such a short time here in Kings Bromley is fantastic.

“To see all these children enjoying themselves and getting a sense of achievement, which all children need, is wonderful.”

Nigel Lee, a coach at the club who has benefited directly from the foundation added: “It was an honour to have the daughter of Sir Stanley Matthews visit our club to see how the foundation has helped to provide quality coaching courses to enable us to help local children get into sport.

“In two years we have been able to create two junior sides with over 30 children now involved.

“We were delighted to show Jean the benefits of the foundation in person.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.