Lancashire Cricket Foundation sees cricket participation soar as more than 92,000 take part in 2022

• Lancashire Cricket Foundation sees cricket participation soar as more than 92,000 take part in 2022

  Lancashire Cricket Foundation, the official charity of Lancashire Cricket, today reported that it supported high-quality cricket provision for a record 92,721 people in 2022, a year that also saw the not-for-profit organisation increase investment in the grassroots game by 52%. 

  Participants from schools, clubs, and communities across the county rose by 23% compared to 2021 (75,000). The figure represents a single-year participation record, with more children and young people, women and girls, people with disabilities and older members of the community taking part in community activities delivered by the Foundation and its coaches than ever before.

  Of the overall participation number, over 60,000 young people engaged with cricket through the England and Wales Cricket Board’s Chance to Shine Primary and Secondary Girls Programmes, a 53% increase on the previous year – with a particular aim of increasing participation across diverse communities in the North West, via programmes such as Chance to Shine street cricket.

  The growth in participation was underpinned by the distribution of more than £645,000 of funding into the grassroots game at all levels across Lancashire via the Foundation - 52% more than 2021.  

  The figures have been unveiled in the Lancashire Cricket Foundation’s Annual Impact Report, which can be read here. The Foundation provides county-wide governance for the recreational game and access high quality experiences that make a positive difference to the lives of the individuals and communities, in order to grow the appeal of the game at all levels.

  “2022 was an incredible year for cricket participation across Lancashire,” said Bobby Cross, Chairman of the Lancashire Cricket Foundation. "We see first-hand how cricket can transform lives, and we are committed to making the game accessible to everyone. We are extremely proud to have introduced the game to more children and young people, women and girls, people with disabilities and older members of the community than ever before. As part of that, this year we’ve made a real effort at increasing participation levels in deprived areas in Greater Manchester and across Lancashire.

  “On a practical level, the Foundation continues to support its leagues and clubs with much-needed financial assistance and guidance. More broadly, we support a wide range of programmes with a clear focus on growing the game and we are delighted to deliver on this commitment. To engage more than 90,000 participants in 2022 is a fantastic achievement.

  “None of this would be possible without the help of our partners, staff, volunteers and supporters. Without them we would not be able to deliver the vast number of programmes and positively impact the lives of so many people.”

  2022 saw a number of other success stories as the Foundation secured new funding to grow our Community Engagement, Education and Health initiatives, launched a second Walking Cricket hub for older members of the community in Sefton, and experienced further growth of the women and girl’s game with more than 100 cricket clubs in Lancashire now operating dedicated women and girls sections, a 15% increase.

  

  Richard Taylor, a dementia sufferer who regularly plays Walking Cricket at George H Carnall Leisure Centre in Trafford, said: “I am extremely thankful to the Lancashire Cricket Foundation for their support of Walking Cricket. It enables elderly people to stay connected to the sport regardless of their background. It has had a tremendously positive impact on me, increasing my confidence and supporting a genuine improvement in my physical and mental wellbeing. I know I am one of thousands of people of all ages impacted by the Foundation’s work which makes a huge difference to many people across the county.”

  Lancashire’s 300 plus recreational and affiliated clubs - which cater for more than 19,000 senior players and 8,000 junior participants involved in competitive cricket - are at the heart of the Foundation's work as it aims to ensure they can thrive and grow, attracting more people – from all communities - to play the game. 

  The Lancashire Cricket Foundation is preparing to deliver a range of projects, programmes and events across the North West this summer designed to engage, excite, inspire and improve individuals and communities through cricket.

  To find out more about the Lancashire Cricket Foundation, including how you can get involved, support and donate, please visit: foundation.lancashirecricket.co.uk.