Pilot project to get cricket played at secondary schools
A pioneering project devised by Cricket Shropshire to get the game played and enjoyed in secondary schools will see a special series of games taking place next month.
Cricket Shropshire has teamed up with three secondary schools in Newport and Newport Cricket Club to stage the competition as a culmination of the pilot project.
Haberdashers’ Adams Grammar, Newport Girls’ High and Burton Borough have all been involved in the initiative together with Newport CC based in Audley Avenue.
Cricket Shropshire Lead Officer Steve Reese said: “There is a clear need to promote cricket in secondary schools across the county, but there is a lack of funding to do that.
“We decided to take the initiative and launch this pilot project which has been running for the past six months, bringing together the three secondary schools in the Newport area together with the local cricket club.
“Hopefully this will prove how such a project can be a success and we can get ECB funding for programmes and projects that will change the game and get cricket played again in secondary schools.”
The project has seen ECB qualified coaches from Cricket Shropshire going into the schools to run sessions alongside PE staff.
The special competitions at Newport CC are:
- A Boys T20 fixture between Haberdashers Adams Grammar and Burton Borough at Newport Cricket Club on June 12.
- A Girls Six-a-Side Softball Festival featuring all three schools on Thursday, June 25.
- A Girls Eight-a-Side Incrediball Festival again featuring teams from all three schools on Thursday, July 2.
Kyle Hodson, Chair at Newport Cricket Club said: “We’re delighted to be involved.
“The programme has already seen strong enthusiasm from pupils, with increasing numbers of young players expressing interest in continuing their cricket journey at Newport CC.
“The initiative aims to strengthen the links between schools and the club while encouraging regular participation in sport.
“The vision for junior cricket is centred on creating a sustainable, welcoming, and inclusive environment where every young player can develop their skills and enjoyment of the game.”
Cricket Shropshire’s Shannon Aston said: “We delivered cricket sessions to a range of year groups at all three schools involving both boys and girls. Some pupils were completely new to cricket, while others already play regularly.
“This programme has been supported by Newport CC, who provided funding to help us deliver cricket within the schools.
“The aim of this partnership is to promote the sport locally and encourage the young people we engage with to consider joining the club.
“We plan to continue this collaboration each year, working with the schools and Newport CC to deliver these competitions on an ongoing basis.”
Haylie Goodall from Newport Girls High said: “The programme has certainly inspired many of our students to continue developing their cricket skills.
“We are extremely grateful for the time and expertise invested by Shannon and Cricket Shropshire.
“Shannon’s energy and passion for the game were clear in every session, and the students thoroughly enjoyed taking part. It was great to see their skills, teamwork, and confidence grow week by week.
“The inclusive approach ensured that all students felt supported and motivated, regardless of their starting ability.
“We also greatly appreciated the flexibility and willingness to adapt sessions when changes were required, which ensured the programme ran smoothly and continued to meet the needs of our students.”
“We have seen a noticeable increase in engagement, with more students developing an interest in cricket both within school and beyond.
“The pathway from school sport into local club cricket has been particularly valuable, strengthening the link with Newport CC and supporting the club’s long-term sustainability by encouraging young players to get involved.
“This collaboration also helps raise the profile of cricket locally, making it more accessible and inclusive for young people of all abilities.
“It has fostered a strong sense of community, bringing together schools, coaches, and the club to create meaningful opportunities for participation and development.”