An all-rounder who has been selected to represent England’s over-60s has spoken of his excitement at being named in the squad to tour Barbados.
Long-serving Whitstable player John Butterworth is in the 16-man squad for next year’s Carib Cup.
He hopes to compete at the 50-over tournament next year but, with no funding support available, will have to raise the money for the tour.
Butterworth has started a GoFundMe page and has raised more than £450. It’s estimated it will cost £200 per player to compete in the tournament itself and £400 per player for the touring kit. Along with travel expenses, the cost of accommodation and other costs, the tour is estimated to cost £4,000 to £5,000 per player in total.
“I thought, personally, it was cheeky to promote my own interest,” said Butterworth, who says an A5 tour brochure will be produced, which will provide sponsors with the opportunity to advertise.
"But it was the club chairman, Nick Denly, that suggested it, really, and I thought ‘maybe I should’.
“People don’t have to contribute to it but, if they are inspired by it or they know me well, they might want to do it. I never really thought of going cap-in-hand for support but maybe I shouldn’t be so shy about it.
“I’m delighted by the response.”
Butterworth explained he was first put forward for trials by Kent over-60s’ captain Chris Tarrant and he has played in a series of trial matches over the summer against Scotland and Wales.
His call-up caps a memorable season for Butterworth, with Whitstable’s three senior sides all having won promotion.
Butterworth played for Whitstable 3rds in their final game of the season and he scored 24 runs and ended with figures of 3-18 in a win over Canterbury 4ths. Overall this summer he scored
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