Budding cricketers will get the chance to rub shoulders with the White Ferns next week as part of a Bay of Plenty cricketing initiative.

The White Ferns, New Zealand's Women's National Cricket team, are basing themselves at the Bay Oval from August 22-24 as part of preparation for September's tour of the West Indies.

White Ferns' Sophie Devine.

The side sees the Bay Oval as a unique New Zealand cricket venue, in that the practise wickets and wicket blocks are available for out of season training.

While in town the side is providing Year 4 to 6 girls to get up close and personal, with members of the during free cricket lessons on August 22.

It follows on from the successful Year 4-6 girls cricket lessons during the White Ferns' winter training last season,

It is anticipated the cricket lessons, will be a great lead-in to the 2014 GoGirl cricket program launched in the Bay last year.

Documentary evidence suggests that unlike boys of a similar age, young girls often never take up a bat and ball, because they learn at a different level from boys in a mixed boy's and girl's environment.

The GoGirl programme is aimed at Year 5 and 6 girls, to draw younger people to the game by way of a standalone girl's introduction programme.

No cricket experience is necessary for those aspiring to follow in the footsteps of the White Ferns.

The free girl's cricket lessons will take place at the Bay Oval on August 22 from 4-5.30pm.

To secure a spot ring Bay of Plenty Cricket on 07 575 9120 or email info@bopcricket.co.nz.