Our aim is to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds have opportunities to be involved in cricket. In Nottinghamshire, we provide a variety of community participation programmes and pride ourselves on there being an offering for everybody.

Cricket Cities

Diverse communities in urban environments are being given new opportunities to interact, grow, and develop crucial community cohesion through the ground-breaking Cricket Cities programme.

The Cricket Cities programme was set up in partnership with Sport England in 2018. Initially, it was designed to support the South Asian Action Plan and the idea was that it would focus on the cities that had the largest South Asian demographics. But, over time, we’ve looked to expand its reach.

In simple terms, the Cricket Cities programme has four key community pillars that are enacted to support local and national agendas: 

• Listening: engaging and maintaining dialogue with communities to further cricket and community initiatives. 

• Partnerships: working with local and national organisations to deliver our purpose. 

• Support: tactical funding to help CCBs lead on community initiatives and localised challenges and opportunities, on areas such as refugee relocation, COVID-19, the cost of living, and youth-work programmes. 

• Urban hubs: creating safe spaces that connect communities and bring together cricket and other local offers – such as coffee mornings, mental health awareness initiatives, community cohesion projects, soft ball, tape ball, or wellbeing programmes – in central location.

To find out more about Core Cities and for more information on your nearest session, email farah.khan@trentbridge.co.uk

Street Cricket

Chance to Shine Street brings cricket to thousands of young people in urban areas. It uses the game to increase aspiration, promote social cohesion and create opportunities in diverse communities.

It’s a fast-paced version of the game played with a tapeball - a tennis ball wrapped in electrical tape - in small enclosed spaces. With six players per team and 20 balls per innings, it’s cricket’s answer to five-a-side football.

To find out more about Street Cricket and for more information on your nearest session, email alex.west@trentbridge.co.uk

Wicketz 

Wicketz is a cricket programme for young people aged 8-19, living in specifically targeted communities where circumstances for many residents are economically challenging. By establishing sustainable community cricket hubs, we provide year-round weekly cricket sessions with a focus on breaking down barriers, developing crucial life skills, creating stronger communities and enabling brighter futures for those taking part.

To find out more about Wicketz and for more information on your nearest session, contact harry.clamp@trentbridge.co.uk

ACE Programme

The ACE Programme aims to 'Support Diverse Talent from the Grassroots to the Elite' in the following ways:

• Talent Pathways: Develop grassroots cricket, talent pathways and talent ID systems in targeted black communities and cities across the UK.
• Elite Academy: Provide elite academy programmes and scholarships to talented players to allow them to fulfil their potential. The academy and scholars also will act as an inspirational piece to the community.
• Workforce Development: Support the development of quality coaches and volunteers from the community as well as provide mentoring to support players, coaches and families.
• Vision: Be a catalyst to accelerate change and strive to become a national charity operating in five key cities with target communities.

If you would like to take part or for more information on the ACE Programme in Nottingham, contact Patrick Gada on 07726 675 888 or email patrick.gada@trentbridge.co.uk

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NCCC and The Blaze LGBTQ+ Supporters Group

As part of our Core Cities Programme, Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and The Blaze are supporting a recently formed LGBTQ+ and allies Supporters’ Club, which is inviting new members to join and expand their community.

The supporters group, which was founded in June 2023, will offer solidarity and support to all LGBTQ+ cricketers, coaches, fans, and those in other roles at all levels of the game.

New members can join the OUTlaws Facebook page which will offer people another avenue to make more connections within the community and to provide a support network to enjoy the game of cricket.

OUTlaws Facebook Page: Facebook

OUTlaws Twitter: Twitter

Walking Cricket

A slower-paced, predominantly indoor format of the game ideal for men and women aged 50 plus, Walking Cricket is the perfect way to remain involved with the game and meet new people whilst staying active.

To find out more about Walking Cricket and for more information on your nearest session, email ian.dipaolo@trentbridge.co.uk.