Toyota has signed on as the Official Automotive Partner of Cricket Scotland, in a new partnership set to boost the sport at every level across the country.
The agreement will support Scotland’s men’s and women’s national teams, while also driving a wide-reaching investment in grassroots cricket.
It’s a meaningful move from a brand that believes in mobility for all, and now that mission includes opening up cricket to more children from all backgrounds.
Toyota is backing All Stars Cricket, a programme aimed at introducing five to eight-year-olds to the sport in a fun and welcoming way.
Each year, Toyota will fund 200 free bursary places for children across Scotland, focusing on those from state schools and Additional Support Needs centres.
Local dealerships will also get involved, helping promote the programme and encouraging families in their own communities to take part.
It’s a clear and practical commitment to making the game more inclusive and giving young people the chance to fall in love with cricket.
With the men’s national side preparing for home fixtures against Netherlands and Nepal this June, followed by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in July, the timing of the deal could hardly be better.
Toyota is also launching the Good For Cricket prize draw, a grassroots initiative designed to help local clubs raise vital funds.
Inspired by a hugely successful model in Australia, the draw offers a prize pool worth more than £200,000, including three new Toyota vehicles.
Clubs can sign up for free, receive digital tickets, and keep every penny from the sales to support kit, equipment and running costs.
The goal is to raise £500,000 this year, with Toyota providing the digital platform, marketing tools and prizes to help clubs reach their targets.
In Australia, the same initiative has raised more than £5.6 million over 12 years and supported more than 1,000 clubs.
Scott Thompson, President and Managing Director at Toyota, said the company was proud to help grow the game.
“Through our men’s, women’s and grassroots cricket partnership with Cricket Scotland we can help support and inspire both the current and next generation of players, volunteers and fans,” he said.
“At Toyota, mobility is at the heart of everything we do and through these initiatives, we’re helping more people across the UK and Ireland enjoy cricket, be active and connect through sport.”
Cricket Scotland’s Chief Executive Trudy Lindblade said the partnership would have a lasting impact.
“We are delighted to welcome Toyota on board,” she said.
“To have a globally recognised brand show such genuine commitment to growing our game is incredibly exciting.”
“Their support for grassroots cricket, especially through the All Stars bursaries, will open up opportunities for more young people to pick up a bat and be inspired by Scotland’s international stars.”
