Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff’s new BBC one show aired last night, and viewers have been praising it on social media.

In Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams, the sporting legend will attempt to smash the stereotypes around cricket and make his own team with reluctant teenagers from his own working class hometown.

Freddie's determined to prove anyone, whatever their background, can find confidence, camaraderie and success playing the sport he loves. 

Lancashire Telegraph: Freddie Flintoff's Field of DreamsFreddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams

In the first episode, which aired on July 5, Flintoff meets 15-year-old Sean, who has attended several different schools, and 17-year-old Ammar, who moved to the UK six years ago and had never even heard of him.

The boys have a lot to learn in a very short space of time, as they will ultimately be competing against teams that have been playing together for years, whereas most of these boys have never even picked up a cricket bat before.

Although they have just a few weeks of chaotic training and only a vague notion of the rules, Freddie is keen to test the boys' progress and get them to play their first ever cricket match.

However, not everyone in his urban posse is impressed with the rural setting or the traditions of cricket that Freddie is trying to draw them to.

After the episode aired, viewers flocked to social media to praise the series.

One Twitter user said: “Absolutely love what you are doing for the kids in our city! Heart-warming watching it.”

“Thought it was absolutely brilliant, well done,” said another. “This is what is missing today. These kids need to be off the street and engaging in these sort of clubs.

“Not all parents can afford these clubs leaving the kids to roam the streets and get into trouble.”

“Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams works because he doesn't patronise them,” said another.

“You saw how insulted they were by the online commentary saying they were 'underprivileged'.

“These young people are from proud working class backgrounds, they thrive on encouragement, not pity. Great TV.”

 

 

Another said: “It was brilliant, can’t wait to see how the lads get on.

“I knew as soon as they picked up that bat their opinions would change about it being a boring game.”

Luke Massie said: “What a watch!

“Giving young lads from Preston hope. Sometimes all we need is someone to believe in us and give us a chance.”

England and Lancashire legend Andrew Flintoff responded to comments, saying: “Thank you so much for all your kind comments about ‘Freddie Flintoff’s field of Dreams’ last night.

“Loved filming it and spending time with a great group of lads."

Last year, Freddie and BBC crews were spotted at The Base community centre in Leyland where he played a game of cricket with a group of young people on St John’s Green.

Reflecting on the day and on Flintoff’s visit, Andrea Andrews, Youth and Community worker at The Base, said: “ [Freddie] was absolutely amazing - he was so down to earth and friendly, everyone loved him.

“He would pose for photos and was eager to sign photographs and cricket bats.

“He was also genuinely interested in what we do and asking for our advice on youth engagement.

“Freddie had a game of cricket with a lot of children and young people on St John’s Green.

“The kids loved it; it was such a wonderful day and it’s something they will remember for years to come.”