Lord's Taverners SEND Programme Reaches Record Numbers Across Lancashire

Over 1,600 young people, more than 650 hours of cricket across 53 schools and colleges.

The 2025-26 academic year marked the most successful delivery of Lancashire Cricket Foundation's Lord's Taverners SEND Programme to date, providing inclusive cricket opportunities to more young people than ever before.

Across Lancashire and Greater Manchester, the programme reached 53 specialist schools and colleges, delivering over 650 hours of cricket and table cricket sessions to more than 1,600 children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

A major milestone was the launch of a county-wide competition pathway for both table cricket and softball cricket, giving pupils the opportunity to progress from local competitions to regional finals.

Schools including Rivington & Blackrod, Sandfield Park, Hollingworth Academy, Tor View, Eden School and Redwood School proudly represented Lancashire Cricket Foundation at regional events across the North West.

Alongside the competition pathway, pupils also enjoyed a range of inclusive events, including a Primary Table Cricket Festival at Emirates Old Trafford, a softball competition for students with Severe Learning Disabilities and the Foundation's first Life Skills Festival.

The impact of the programme was reflected in the feedback from schools.

Emma Frith from Eden School said: "Lots of people struggle to engage some of our learners but the coach did a wonderful job."

Shannon Maloney from Lancasterian School added: "The coach adapted sessions quickly to meet the needs of each class. Students built good relationships with him, which helped develop their confidence and resilience."

With record participation and new opportunities for young people to represent their schools, the programme continues to demonstrate the positive impact of inclusive cricket across the county.

Lancashire Cricket Foundation looks forward to expanding the Lord's Taverners SEND Programme even further during the 2026-27 academic year.