Skipton Cricket Club is hoping to take one of its senior teams to an international tournament in Dubai later this year.
Players from the Sandylands-based club have entered the Dubai 7s cricket competition, which takes place in the United Arab Emirates in November and attracts teams from around the world.
The tournament is held at The Sevens Stadium, around 30 minutes from Dubai International Airport, and forms part of a larger multi-sport festival featuring cricket, rugby, netball, padel and fitness events, alongside live music and entertainment.
The Skipton squad is being organised by first team player Finlay Walker, who hopes to take a group of 15 players to represent the club on the international stage.
Finlay said:
"I heard all about the tournament from our former club secretary, Damian Smith, who has umpired at the event and when I read a bit more about it, I was desperate to get involved.
"To compete for Skipton on an international stage would be the greatest ever experience and something nobody involved would ever forget."
To help make the trip possible, Finlay and his brother Izak have launched a fundraising campaign and secured sponsorship from several local businesses.
The brothers say they hope sponsorship will cover competition entry, team kit and other associated costs, while players plan to fund their own travel and accommodation.
Finlay added:
"Our plan is to fund travel and accommodation ourselves, but for sponsors to help cover the costs of kit, competition entry and added expenses.
"Of course, if somebody decided to fund the full trip for a player or two, or even the whole team, we'd be incredibly grateful."
Skipton Cricket Club currently fields five senior teams, including two women's sides and a friendly XI, as well as nine junior teams ranging from under-9s through to under-18s.
The club also runs ECB All Stars and Dynamos programmes, providing opportunities for children aged five and above to get involved in cricket.
Its teams compete in the Airedale & Wharfedale Senior Cricket League, the West Yorkshire Women & Girls Cricket League and the Upper Airedale Junior Cricket League.
The club's fundraising campaign is continuing ahead of the tournament, with organisers hoping the team will be able to represent Skipton on the international stage later this year.
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