Final call for Knight-Stokes Cup entries
Schools in Shropshire have until early January to enter the Barclays Knight-Stokes Cup – the exciting new competition for state schools for Under 15 sides with the chance of playing a final at Lord’s.
The new hardball competition, which was announced earlier this Summer, is for state secondary schools across the UK at Under 15 level for both boys and girls.
Cricket Shropshire’s Regional Development Programme Manager Darrell Corfield said: “There was a lot of interest from secondary schools in Shropshire for this in this new competition – which is great to see.
“Entries can now be made via the link below, and it would be great to see lots of Shropshire schools involved in this competition next Summer.”
Named after two state-educated cricketing greats (Heather Knight and Ben Stokes) and backed by former England Captain, Michael Vaughan and The Black Heart Foundation, this ground-breaking initiative is designed to provide more opportunities for state-educated young cricketers to showcase their talent.
Cricket Shropshire will be running the early rounds of the competition in the county, with the winners progressing to the national rounds with the finals due to be played at Lord’s in September 2026.
So far, we have had 11 Boys teams enter the competition and six Girls teams. Entries need to be submitted by January 9, 2026.
Darrell added: “This is the first time there has been a national state school hard ball competition.
“It can only be positive – developing links between schools and clubs and hopefully encourage more girls and boys to play cricket. The more opportunities there are for them to play cricket the better.”
Lead Officer Steve Reese said: “We would be more than happy to talk to any schools interested about how we can help and support them to get ready for this exciting competition.”
Schools can register for the competition via the form HERE.
If anyone has any questions, they can contact Darrell via darrell.corfield@cricketshropshire.co.uk