Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff paid a visit to a Leyland community center this week.
The Preston-born cricketer visited The Base community center on Bannister Drive- and he even played a game of cricket with a group of young people on St John’s Green.
Andrea Andrews, Youth and Community worker at The Base, said he was there to film a documentary for the BBC.
Camera crews descended on the area between 2pm and 4:30pm on Monday (9 August) and plenty of pictures were taken of and with the cricket star.
Ms Andrews couldn’t reveal exact details of the show but did have some snippets of information to divulge.
She said: “It’s been something I have been working on with South Shore Productions for a while.
“It’s actually for a documentary that’s being shown on BBC One and it’s centered around getting young people involved in cricket.”
She added that the Leyland hub was brought to the attention of the production company as they “loved” the community work carried out here.
Ms Andrews added: “They wanted to bring Freddie down here to see what we were doing.
“They wanted him to meet some of our young people and have a game of cricket with them- it’s the first step in a bigger project but we can’t say much more about this larger scale project.”
She explained that Freddie won’t be back for another large-scale meet and greet- but added that she will still be involved in the production.
Reflecting on the day and on Flintoff’s visit, Amanda said: “ [Freddie] was absolutely amazing- he was so down to earth and friendly- Everyone loved him.
“He would pose for photos and was eager to sign photographs and cricket bats.
“He was also genuinely interested in what we do and asking for our advice on youth engagement.”
“Had a game of cricket with a lot of children and young people on St John’s Green.
“The kids loved it- it was such a wonderful day and it’s something they will remember for years to come.”
Posting to Facebook, a spokesperson for The Base wrote: We were delighted to welcome Freddie Flintoff and South Shore Productions to The Base this afternoon, we chatted with Freddy about what we do here at The Base and about youth engagement, he then chatted to members of the Community from Broadfield and our friends from Wade Hall (lots of photos/selfies were taken!).
“Then we went for an informal game of cricket on St John's Green. This was part of the filming for a documentary for the BBC. We will keep you up to date.”
In the snaps, Freddie is seen chatting to locals and also playing some sport with the local children in the area.
In the images he is also seen posing with locals and signing cricket bats. He can also be seen chatting to workers and volunteers at The Base.
The Wade Hall community association on Royal Avenue in Leyland also put a callout for Flintoff fans to come and visit him on St Johns Green in Broadfield.
They wrote: “He is looking for any 15-18yrs to go and have a game of cricket with him also take your children down to meet him and give one of our local lads a big welcome.”
The community hub snapped some lovely photos of the local children interacting with the sport star.
In the pictures, you can even see Freddie perfecting some of the children’s cricketing posture.
The BBC and South Shore Productions have been approached for more information on the upcoming documentary.
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