You would be hard-pressed to find a bigger cricket fan than 10-year-old Riley Parsons.

Key points: Riley Parsons refurbishes old cricket gear for kids in need

Riley Parsons refurbishes old cricket gear for kids in need One of his heroes, Brisbane Heat player Max Bryant, pitches in

One of his heroes, Brisbane Heat player Max Bryant, pitches in It is a chance for Riley and his dad Matty Parsons to bond

The Gold Coast all-rounder is sharing his love of the game by refurbishing old cricket gear and giving it to other kids who need it.

"It is fun to know that you will give this old cricket equipment, now they're near new, and give it to kids who can't afford it," Riley said.

"It's just a really good feeling."

His efforts have attracted the attention of some heavy hitters.

Brisbane Heat batter Max Bryant heard about Riley's work and surprised him with a visit at the local training nets.

"I think it's pretty cool what he's doing," Mr Bryant said.

"It's going to be good for the Gold Coast cricket community. Hopefully it gets around."

Brisbane Heat batsman Max Bryant heard of Riley's good work and dropped in to show his support. ( ABC Gold Coast: Damien Larkins )

In the days before Mr Bryant dropped by, Riley was singing his praises.

"Max Byrant, he's an outstanding cricketer," Riley said.

"He's probably my second favourite."

Heat captain Chris Lynn might now have some serious competition for top spot in Riley's heart.

Father-and-son project

Dubbed Operation Straight Drive, the project is run from the garage of Riley's home in Helensvale on the northern Gold Coast.

Riley and his dad Matty Parsons collect donations of old bats, pads, gloves and helmets.

Equipped with sanders, sprays, cloths and a bit of elbow grease, they give the second hand gear a new life.

Operation Straight Drive has given Riley and his dad Matt a chance to bond. ( ABC Gold Coast: Damien Larkins )

It all began when Riley cleaned up old pads he had been given, and presented them to a younger mate.

"It felt really nice to give them to him," Riley said.

"The smile on that boy's face was amazing," Matty Parsons said.

"They were getting a little bit too small for Riley, there was nothing wrong with them."

Mr Parsons is a former Australian Army soldier, who has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

For him, the project is a chance to bond and to heal.

"For Riley to come up with this idea, for me as a father, as a parent, I was really proud of him," Mr Parsons said.

Locals pitch in

The local Coomera Hope Island Cricket Club has donated a ute-load of its old gear.

The pair have also put out an appeal on social media for more.

"We've given back a few bats to a few kids," Riley said.

"Their reaction is shock because they haven't had people give them free cricket equipment."

"This showed me just what sort of character he has," Mr Parsons said.

"I hopefully think this is going to grow."

Riley's love of cricket drives him to help others. ( Supplied: Matty Parsons )

Riley's love of the game has also set his eyes on a bigger prize.

"[Playing cricket] makes me feel like one day I'll be captain of Australia," Riley said.

He's only 10, but he's already bowling them over.