Community Cricket Lights Up Blackpool
More free to access cricket opportunities have arrived in Blackpool as part of a long-term Lancashire Cricket Foundation strategy focused on six key communities across the county. The aim is simple but significant: to expand the reach of cricket into the most deprived wards of Lancashire and provide accessible opportunities to play, learn and fall in love with the game.
Blackburn, Blackpool, Burnley, Knowsley, Liverpool and Manchester have been identified as priority areas where inclusive programmes can have the greatest impact—particularly among young people who may not traditionally have access to organised cricket.
Street Cricket Making an Early Impact
The Chance to Shine Street programme has made a strong start in Blackpool, beginning with outdoor taster sessions before moving indoors to a new weekly slot at Palatine Leisure Centre. Local schools have been instrumental in spreading the word, and participation has quickly reached healthy numbers.
Street Cricket uses a softball and requires no equipment from participants, removing traditional barriers and making it an ideal introduction to the sport for 8–12-year-olds who might be trying cricket for the first time.
Introducing the First MCCF Hub in Blackpool
For older players, an exciting new pathway has been launched with the creation of the first ever MCCF Hub in the Blackpool area. Open to state-school educated hardball cricketers, the Hub offers 48 places, with trials scheduled in the New Year for both Under 14 and Under 16 age groups.
The selected boys and girls squads will go on to compete nationally, with the top teams earning the chance to play in the showpiece finals at Lord’s—a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many young cricketers.
Walking Cricket Growing in Popularity
Walking Cricket continues to gain momentum across Lancashire, now boasting eight weekly sessions countywide. The latest addition is a new Monday afternoon session in Blackpool, offering a social, low-impact and enjoyable way to stay active.
Whether players are discovering the game for the first time or returning after some time away, Walking Cricket provides a welcoming and flexible environment suitable for all ages and abilities.
Schools Programme Expanding Reach
Through the Chance to Shine Schools Programme, Lancashire coaches have already delivered sessions at several Blackpool primary schools this academic year, including Stanley, Our Lady of the Assumption, St John Vianney, Westminster, Devonshire Road.
These sessions are helping introduce the sport to hundreds of children who may never have had the opportunity to pick up a bat or ball before.
Investment in Facilities
Infrastructure development is also moving forward, with new netting facilities now installed at South Shore CC and further plans underway to open access for wider community usage. These improvements are supporting a more vibrant and inclusive cricket landscape across the area.
A Strategic Approach to Removing Barriers
Jen Barden, Executive Director of the Lancashire Cricket Foundation, explained:
"Over the next four years, we are committed to enabling those in our most deprived communities to play cricket. To deliver this, we are expanding and enhancing our free-to-access opportunities.”
She added:
"Blackpool is a key growth area where we are already seeing strong engagement in community settings. By focusing on a specific geographic area, we can better understand local barriers, apply local knowledge, and shape programmes that meet the needs of the community.”
Blackpool Community Sessions
- Walking Cricket (Open Age) | Blackpool Sports Centre Mondays | 2:30pm – 3:30pm - Contact: gpennington@lancashirecricket.co.uk
- Chance to Shine Youth Street Cricket (age 8 - 13) | Palatine Leisure Centre Tuesdays | 7:30pm – 9:00pm Contact: gpennington@lancashirecricket.co.uk
- MCCF Hubs (starting January) Find your nearest hub here