More than 250 junior cricketers will descend into the Clarence Valley in the last week of September to compete in the new Cricket NSW event Country Pathways Championships.

Clarence Valley Council was successful in submitting an Expression of Interest with Cricket NSW to host the U14 and U15 Championships this year, in 2020 and 2021.

Council’s economic development coordinator, Elizabeth Fairweather, said it was obviously exciting news for local cricket enthusiasts, but the expected $653,000 boost to the local economy was also wonderful.

The championships will be held on four different grounds across Grafton and South Grafton and either Ulmarra or Maclean. The junior cricketers usually bring two-three people with them for the event meaning about 800 visitors will stay and spend across the Clarence Valley.

Cricket NSW staff will manage the event with the help of Clarence clubs. Jess McMahon and Bruce Nelson from Cricket NSW visited Grafton on Tuesday of last week to meet with council staff and local club representatives.