We run league teams in most age-groups starting from U9 and going to U19. We aim to ensure all players, regardless of gender, age or ability play in multiple matches per season. All games are run by parents or club coaches volunteering their time, so please be pro-active about putting yourself forward. The more parents we have willing to help run games, the more opportunities for games we can provide.

Our coaches are all ECB Foundation (Level 1) or Core (Level 2) qualified and hold up to date DBS checks. Our club holds ECB Clubmark accreditation and is ECB’s Safe Hands Management System compliant.

Youth cricket, especially in the younger age groups, is about fun and development in a safe and inclusive environment.

U9 Softball, U11, U13, U15 Hardball

Where there are 2 teams per age group entering league or cup fixtures there will be a performance team and a development team.

The performance team will be selected by the coaches or the Director of Youth Cricket using the following criteria:

Consistency of attendance at training and matches
Ability and recent performance
Specialism for the game ahead (e.g. opening bat, wicket keeper, spinner etc)
Punctuality
Conduct both on and off the pitch
Payment of subscriptions and match fees
Consistent and timely notification of availability via the club app

The development team will be selected by the coaches or the Director of Youth Cricket using the following criteria:

Consistency of attendance at training and matches
Ability and recent performance
Specialism for the game ahead (e.g. opening bat, wicket keeper, spinner etc)
Punctuality
Conduct both on and off the pitch
Payment of subscriptions and match fees
Consistent and timely notification of availability via the club app

To enable multiple players to have the opportunity to experience leadership, captains and vice-captains will be selected in the course of the season by the coaches, with periodic rotation as appropriate. Batting and Bowling orders will vary throughout the season based on the coaches assessments, taking into account both performance and player development and the overall balance of the side.

U17 & U19 teams

The team will be selected by the coaches or the Director of Youth Cricket on ability and using the following criteria:

Number of matches played to ensure as many players experience matches as possible
Consistency of attendance at training and matches
Ability and recent performance
Specialism for the game ahead (e.g. opening bat, wicket keeper, spinner etc)
Punctuality
Conduct both on and off the pitch
Payment of subscriptions and match fees
Consistent and timely notification of availability via the club app

Captains and Vice-Captains will be selected with the intention of developing a regular leadership team, with periodic rotation as appropriate.

All parents, carers, guardians and families are welcome and encouraged to attend matches and training. Recognising that youth coaches are usually parents themselves as well as volunteers, the club asks that everyone help support the teams as positively as possible.

BEFORE THE MATCH

Please be clear about availability and respond to availability invitations on the club app quickly

Please make every effort to meet on time

Please help the Coach set up the match including: setting out the boundary, moving covers etc.

Please ensure your child is there in time to warm up with their team-mates

DURING THE MATCH

Encourage your child to watch the game they are playing in so they support the team and understand the situation they will be batting/bowling in

Do volunteer to score (it's not that hard!) or lend the coach a hand - this may simply mean encouraging the kids to watch or helping organise drinks

Please do not coach from the sidelines - especially shouting to them to run! In most Leagues it is against the League rules to give on-field assistance to the team

AFTER THE MATCH

Please help clear the equipment away

Please do stay, socialize and let the children play some more in an unstructured and free way. It’s a great way for players and parents to develop new friendships.

Please stay until the end of the game and for the debrief. Even if your child has finished their direct involvement in the game, please stay and support your team.