MCC Foundation free cricket training to open up access to talent pathways

The MCC Foundation (MCCF) cricket programme aims to raise the profile of cricket amongst state-school pupils and enable those players with talent to reach district and county youth age group standards. Trials will take place on November 29

Framlingham College is to host the only MCC Foundation Cricket Hub in Suffolk in January 2021. The closest hubs will be Norwich, Cambridge and Essex. 

This will offer 10 weeks of intense, indoor cricket training delivered using their coaches and facilities totally free of charge in order to open-up access to the talent pathways to ensure that any young person can reach their full potential in the game regardless of gender or background. 

The Foundation will be holding open trials for boys and girls between 11 and 15 on Sunday November 29 at Framlingham College for children nominated by either their school or non-county level cricket club. The children must not currently be part of a county squad.

From the trial, 20-24 players will be selected for each age group who will then gain access to a 10 x 1.5 hour weekly winter programme of sessions at Framlingham College with top level coaches including Chris Gange, Level 3 Coach, current elite playing full member of the MCC and Head of PE at Framlingham College.

The MCCF Hub programme now supports 55 MCCF Hub programmes nationally and in 2019, engaged with over 2400 participants, many of whom progressed to district and county sides, as well as becoming valued and enthusiastic members of their local cricket clubs. 

• 46% said they had little to no opportunity to play cricket at their school 
• 95% said the hub training has made them a better cricketer
• 81% of parents said attending the hub has improves their child’s personal confidence. 
• 97% said the hub has increased their desire to keep playing cricket 

MCC Foundation says, "We want to reach the unreached and provide opportunities where they are most needed. Training at the hub has been an amazing experience. I don’t think you could get an opportunity like this anywhere else."

"Until recently, I thought I was the only girl who liked cricket but at the Hub I got to meet more. I also enjoyed that we all got the same training. Normally girls don’t get the same standard of training as the boys, because we don’t bowl fast enough or something." Said Amelia, an MCCF Hub participant.

"The Hub has inspired me. I want to play for England and the coaches have really helped me".