THE future looks bright for fast bowler, Will McAvoy, after he secured sponsorship from an Eccles opticians ahead of a six-month-long stint in Australia, playing in the southern-hemisphere's cricket season. After starting his cricketing career aged seven at Monton Cricket Club (CC), Will has worked his way up to the first team. Now aged 19, he plays in Premier League Two of the Greater Manchester Cricket League for Monton CC and the Greater Manchester Cricket League (GMCL) Inter-League Under 21 team. Will along with close friend and fellow Monton CC and GMCL team mate, Salford born South African, Benjy Marsden, is jetting off to Melbourne to play for Box Hill Cricket Club. His cricketing prowess recently caught the eye of directors at the Specsavers store in Eccles Shopping Centre, and they've agreed a deal, with Will receiving a pair of prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses with polarised lenses and eight months worth of contact lenses to cover the full length of his stay in Australia. Will, who hails from Monton, says: 'I've had to self fund the trip, so I'm really grateful to everyone at the Eccles Specsavers store. I really appreciate the support they're giving me. 'It takes a lot of commitment and resilience to play cricket and I just love the game, striving to be, and do, my very best and enjoy myself too. I'm really looking forward to this opportunity at Box Hill CC. Since an early age, it's been my dream to follow in my cousin Danny's footsteps and play a season in Australia, to improve my all-round game with specific batting, bowling and mind-set coaching.' After hearing about Will's ambition to play cricket in Australia and following his cricketing journey at Monton CC, the team at Specsavers Eccles were keen to back him. Mohammed Shakeel, Specsavers Eccles director, says: 'We always want to positively impact our community, whether that be directly through our services and expertise in-store or indirectly by championing others, giving them the ability and facilities to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. 'We're thrilled to be supporting Will's cricketing career. He's a true ambassador for the sport. He's got ambition, commitment and dedication, and we're confident that he will succeed at whatever he applies himself to and wish him every success for the season in Melbourne.' If you wear glasses, it might be worth considering Specsavers prescription sports goggles, which have been specifically designed to stand up to the rigours of team sports. Those unable to attend a Specsavers store unaccompanied can receive the same eye care at home via its Home Visits service. Specsavers home visits covers more than 90% of the UK. For more information or to book a sight test, call Specsavers Eccles on tel: 0161 787 6900 or visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/eccles.
