Lancashire Cricket Foundation Brings Cricket to 56,000 Pupils Across 1,100 Schools
The Lancashire Cricket Foundation’s state primary schools engagement programme continues to redefine how cricket reaches the next generation, introducing the game to thousands of children who are least likely to be active or have access to sport.
Built on inclusivity, accessibility, and opportunity, the Foundation’s Chance to Shine initiatives once again surpassed targets during the 2024–25 academic year, delivering life-changing cricket experiences to pupils across the county.
The Foundation began the academic year with a goal: to engage 1,100 state primary schools and 49,200 pupils. By year’s end, those targets were not only met but surpassed with 1,134 schools and 56,216 pupils participating in a diverse mix of six-week programmes, one-day engagement events, and Key Stage 1 and 2 competitions.
This achievement reflects the growing enthusiasm for cricket in state schools and the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to ensuring every child has the chance to play, learn, and belong through cricket.
Blessed with outstanding weather throughout the summer term, the Foundation was able to deliver a full action-packed calendar of festivals and competitions that brought energy and excitement to schools across the county, with many young players discovering the game for the first time.
The school cricket programme culminated in our annual Dynamos Schools County Finals, hosted at the inspirational venue of Ormskirk Cricket Club, more than 50 primary schools and 500 pupils took part across a two-day celebration of competitive school cricket. The two days showcased the spirit that define grassroots cricket in Lancashire, with Liverpool College Primary School triumphing in the Mixed event and Deepdale Primary School, Preston, lifting the Girls title. 
Beyond the boundaries and scorecards, the programme’s success lies in its social and educational value. Teachers reported that cricket sessions have boosted confidence, teamwork, and physical literacy among pupils, especially those with limited sporting experience.
Jordan Clarke, Schools’ Cricket Development Manager commented "This year’s achievements are a testament to the dedication of our schools delivery team who continue to provide a variety of world class opportunities for children to enjoy the sport, and to our partners Chance to Shine, who provide significant support and investment into ensuring cricket remains strong in state schools across the North West.”
Levelling the Playing Field: A Fresh Look in Schools Hard Ball Cricket
Last year marked a new chapter for secondary school cricket in Lancashire, as the Lancashire Cricket Foundation (LCF) took over management of the Schools Hard Ball Competition; a role previously led by the historic Lancashire Schools Cricket Association (LSCA).
This change came in response to the ECB’s State School Action Plan (Oct 2024), which followed the ICEC Independent Report into Equity in Cricket (June 2023). The findings were clear: state-educated pupils are underrepresented at every level of the game, while independent schools enjoy greater access to cricket facilities, coaching, and match opportunities.
With that in mind, the LCF made it a priority to create a more inclusive and accessible competition for all schools across the county. A few key changes helped bring that vision to life:
- A fairer structure: While the main competition was open to everyone, Plate Competitions were exclusively for state schools to give more players a chance to compete and progress.
- A modern format: All age groups (U12s–U15s) played T20 cricket, resulting in a faster, more exciting format that keeps more children involved.
- A fresh look: Pink balls and coloured T20 kits were encouraged to bring energy and inclusivity to the game (PE kits, shorts and trainers were welcome!).
The results were:
- 61 schools took part, with an impressive 50 state schools represented.
- 180 teams competed across eight competitions.
- Every competition (both Main and Plate) had its own T20 Finals Day, complete with great venues, music, professional umpires, and brand new trophies.
- Most importantly, 75% of schools that played in an LCF Schools Finals Days were state schools, a big step forward from previous years when independent schools dominated the competitions.
Next summer, the LCF intend to make the competition bigger and better and with the introduction of the Stokes-Knight Cup 2026, we’re hopeful one of our state schools can make it all the to Lord’s Cricket Ground. The schools that took part also shared their enthusiasm for the competition’s new look and spirit;
‘It was a superb summer and our pupils have loved the amount of competitive cricket that they have had’. - Steven Holden, St Michael’s CE High School
“More state schools made it through to later stages than previously, a real positive.” – Mike Watkinson, MGS
“Thank you for all your efforts this year, it is clear that a lot of thought, time and effort has gone in to taking the competition seriously and trying to raise its profile.” - Dominic Gavin, Thornleigh Salesian College
With just one Finals Day abandoned due to the weather, the season was complete with the LCF U13’s HB Finals Day at Darwen Cricket Club. Unfortunately, the September weather officially drew a close to our excellent summer. However, we had the opportunity to play an indoor cricket format at Darwen CC’s brand new, state-of-the-art cricket facility. The purpose built cricket facility was able to host an exciting, action-packed indoor format; the first competitive school cricket event.
For a full list of winners, runners up and supporting venues for our school competitions, see the bottom this page.
Looking Ahead
With participation continuing to grow and schools eager to stay involved, the Lancashire Cricket Foundation has more ambitious plans for 2026. Future goals include expanding opportunities for girls’ cricket, particularly in the build up to next summers ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026. We’re also eager to strengthening teacher training support, and enhancing the link between school and club cricket to nurture the next generation to say ‘cricket is a game for me’.
Competition Winners, Runners Up and Hosts:
Dynamos Schools (Mixed) County Finals 2025 – Liverpool College (winners), Breck PS, Fylde (R/U), Ormskirk CC (hosts)
Dynamos Schools (Girls) County Finals 2025 – Deepdale PS, Preston (winners), Mauldeth Road PS, Manchester (R/U), Ormskirk CC (hosts)
Chance to Compete (Mixed) Year 7 2025 – West Hill School, Tamside (winners), Pleckgate HS, Blackburn (R/U), Bolton Indians Sports Club (hosts)
Chance to Compete (Girls) Under 13’s –
Chance to Compete (Girls) Under 15’s –
LCF Schools HB Comp (Main) U12’s:
MGS (winners), Hutton GS (R/U), Longridge CC (hosts)
LCF Schools HB Comp (Plate) U12’s:
St Peter’s CHS, Wigan (winners), Ripley St Thomas, Lancaster (R/U), Longridge CC (hosts)
LCF Schools HB Comp (Main) U13’s:
MGS (winners), Bolton School (R/U), Northern CC (hosts)
LCF Schools HB Comp (Plate) U13’s:
St Peter’s CHS, Wigan (winners), Clitheroe Royal Grammar School (R/U), Darwen CC (Indoor Sheild)
LCF Schools HB Comp (Main) U14’s:
MGS (winners), Lancaster GS (R/U), Vernon Carus CC (hosts)
LCF Schools HB Comp (Plate) U14’s:
St Gabriel’s RC HS, Bury (winners), Fred Longworth HS, Man (R/U), Egerton CC/Tonge CC (hosts)
LCF Schools HB Comp (Main) U15’s:
MGS (winners), Turton School, Bolton (R/U), MGS (hosts)
LCF Schools HB Comp (Plate) U15’s:
Cannon Slade, Bolton (winners), Hutton Grammar (R/U), Northern CC (hosts)