Mccf Survey Insight Story
A survey of players and families involved in the 2026 MCC Foundation Hub winter programme has provided valuable insight into the continued growth and positive impact of the initiative delivered by Lancashire Cricket Foundation.
Following months of coaching, learning and development, the winter programme has now successfully concluded, with attention turning towards an exciting summer fixture programme for boys and girls teams across the county.
This year marked a major milestone for Lancashire Cricket Foundation, with the programme delivered entirely by full-time Foundation staff across seven hubs in Blackpool, Preston, Blackburn, Bolton, Liverpool and Manchester.
The expanded model created even more opportunities for talented state-educated cricketers to access high-quality coaching, structured training and clear player pathways.
Hundreds of young cricketers attended weekly sessions throughout the winter, with players praising the inclusive atmosphere, quality coaching and opportunity to train alongside new teammates from different clubs, schools and communities.
Survey feedback highlighted the programme’s success across all hubs:
• 4.6/5 average coaching rating
• 4.6/5 average enjoyment score
• Most players said they improved “a lot” over the winter
• Biggest areas of improvement included confidence, batting, bowling and game awareness
• Players described sessions as welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable
• 62 participants newly progressed into club cricket, inter-league cricket and pathway programmes
• 87% of Girls across multiple hubs reported increased confidence in hardball cricket environments
The programme continues to play an important role in widening access to cricket, particularly for young people entering the game through schools, tape-ball cricket and community programmes rather than traditional club pathways.
Key outcomes included players progressing into pathway and inter-league opportunities, increased participation within the girls’ programme, and strong development of teamwork, confidence and social connections.
Players and parents consistently praised the quality of delivery throughout the programme. One participant described the sessions as “top class coaching from start to finish”, while another said the programme “helped improve confidence and accept challenges.” Parents also highlighted the enthusiasm and patience shown by coaches throughout the winter.
The continued growth of the girls’ programme was another major success, with players enjoying the opportunity to train and compete in supportive hardball environments alongside other female cricketers.
With the winter programme now complete, focus shifts towards the summer fixture schedule, where boys and girls squads will represent their hubs against teams from across the region. Many players highlighted how much they are looking forward to competitive matches, team bonding and putting their training into practice.
Fixtures also form part of the MCC Foundation’s national competition structure, which culminates annually with finals at Lord’s Cricket Ground, an opportunity that continues to inspire young cricketers nationwide.
Lancashire Cricket Foundation would like to thank all players, parents, schools, coaches and venue partners for their support throughout the winter programme, helping make this year’s MCC Foundation Hubs one of the strongest yet.
With summer fixtures now beginning, excitement continues to build around another memorable year for the county’s next generation of cricketers.