Lancashire’s Tapeball Stars Shine on the National Stage

Lancashire’s Tapeball players and coaches have proudly flown the Red Rose flag throughout 2025, making their mark at regional and national competitions.

Fast-paced 20-ball innings matches brought excitement to indoor venues across Blackburn, Manchester and Bolton, culminating in a thrilling season finale at the National Finals in Nottingham.

Originating on the streets of Karachi, Tapeball has evolved into a global sporting phenomenon, celebrated for its accessibility and energy. The taped tennis ball generates movement and bounce on virtually any surface, removing the need for pads or helmets and making the game inclusive for players of all backgrounds and abilities.

It has been a landmark season filled with success and inspiration:
🏆 Blackburn Girls were crowned Chance to Shine Street National Champions
🥈 Preston Young Adults finished as National Runners-up
💫 Levenshulme Girls reached their first-ever National Finals following an outstanding debut campaign

Lancashire’s coaching excellence was also recognised, with Farouk Hussain and Jean Darby (Blackburn) named Inspiring Coaches of the Year, following last year’s accolade for Bolton’s coaching team.

At the community level, 20 teams from across Lancashire participated in the Chance to Shine Street Northern Finals, proudly representing Blackburn, Preston, Bolton, Merseyside and Greater Manchester.

Preston’s Zahoor Ahmed received The Cricket Collective Award for his exceptional contribution to grassroots Tapeball development across the region.

The season concluded in style at the ECB National Tapeball Finals, hosted at Emirates Old Trafford in September.

On Saturday, Manchester Women showcased their talent and determination, earning national recognition for their performances.
On Sunday, Blackburn Men claimed the National Trophy, while Manchester Men delivered strong displays during the group stages.

The 2025 Tapeball calendar began—and will end—with ECB Cricket Cities events, opening with the Ramadan Cup at Emirates Old Trafford and closing this winter with the Indoor Tapeball League in Blackburn.