WORCESTERSHIRE Women’s Rapids have secured the Heart of Worcestershire College as their main sponsor for 2017.

HOW College will back the County's 50-over and 20-over sides in the Royal London One-Day Championship and NatWest T20 competitions.

They will also help the women's first-team players spread the word about cricket for females via coaching in schools.

Over two years there has been a 300 per cent growth in women’s and girl’s cricket in the county, according to Worcestershire Cricket Board.

Nicki Williams, vice principal of the college, said: “We’re delighted to support the Women’s Rapids this season.

“As a college we’re passionate about providing positive opportunities for young people.

"Worcestershire Cricket Board have this same belief and they are extremely proactive in supporting participation in sports.

"We wish the Rapids every success in forthcoming matches.”

Board cricket development director Tom Hill said: “It is fantastic news for women’s cricket across the county.

“As part of the agreement they are also funding some of our girls to go out and undertake visits to schools.

“It’s not just about raising the profile of women’s sport but actually activating it and getting more girls out there talking about cricket and playing the game.

"They will go out and coach across the summer.

“We’ve had 300 per cent growth in Worcestershire of women's and girls' cricket during the past two years.”

Hill revealed the Women’s Rapids will be in action at New Road on Sunday, August 13, as part of a double-header.

The men’s team take on Notts Outlaws in the NatWest T20 Blast followed by the women’s T20 fixture between the counties.

Hill added: “The real excitement for us is we are going to be able to showcase the women’s game in a double T20 header on August 13.

“It will be great experience for the team to play in front of a big crowd and we are encouraging Worcestershire supporters to stay on and support the team after the men’s game.”