Welcome to The Steelbacks Foundation
ABOUT US
The Steelbacks Foundation is a welcoming and inclusive charity, governed by the rules and requirements of the Charity Commission and the England and Wales Cricket Board.
As Steelbacks In The Community (SITC), we supported recreational cricket in Northamptonshire for 25+ years. In 2025, we merged with the newly formed Steelbacks Foundation and since then, our new Board of Directors and Foundation team have worked to create an ECB-approved strategic, four-year plan. We launched this, with our approach and priorities, to partners and communities in September 2025.
Our work falls under three pillars – Participation, People and Life Chances. Each is supported by a packed programme of events, activities and learning opportunities, with funding and support.
By working closely with Northamptonshire Steelbacks and our amazing partners, we’re making a real difference for our communities.
INTRODUCING THE STEELBACKS FAMILY
We introduced The Steelbacks Family to make sure everyone associated with cricket in Northamptonshire feels connected to the work we do.
You might be a local club player, a volunteer, in our county pathway, or a Steelbacks supporter who watches from somewhere else in the world – you’re all a part of the Steelbacks Family.
The idea was first introduced at the Steelbacks Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards in 2021, when winners were recognised as members of the family by receiving an exclusive Steelbacks Family badge.
We have three pillars of activity, each with a range of events, activities, programmes, funding and support.
Participation
Extend the reach of cricket by enabling communities to connect and foster long term engagement with Northamptonshire clubs and cricket.
People
Removing barriers and create opportunities to find and nurture on and off field cricket talent from all backgrounds.
Life chances
Provide social, physical, education and health opportunities through cricket.
PARTICIPATION
We’re all about growing the game, so we work hard to create opportunities to play cricket all over the county. New formats, different venues, fantastic partnerships.
Whether you’re 5 or 95, there’s a game of cricket for you and for everyone.
JUNIOR CRICKET
Fun, engaging programmes delivered at local clubs, designed to introduce children aged 5-11 to cricket skills, and teamwork.
Action-packed days of cricket skills, games, and teamwork during school holidays.
Free-to-access coaching for talented, state school educated young players.
3 junior leagues offering cricket for boys and girls from U11s through to U17s.
Fast-paced version of the game for players 8-16, after-school and completely free to attend.
SENIOR CRICKET
South Northants Cricket League and Northants Cricket League provide opportunities for clubs of all standards to play adult Saturday cricket.
Friendly, slower-paced cricket designed for adults who are older, new or returning to cricket.
WOMEN’S & GIRLS’ CRICKET
A fun, festival-style introduction to cricket using softer balls. No pads, no pressure, just play.
For players progressing in skills and confidence, offering full-format cricket in a supportive setting.
Competitions for women’s and girls’ teams at all levels, from midweek softball and T20 to regional EMCL.
DISABILITY CRICKET
National and International competitions, the Steelbacks team were national champions in 2021.
Northamptonshire competes regionally, training in the Indoor Cricket School at Wantage Road.
Super 1s gives young people aged 12-25 with a disability the chance to play and enjoy regular cricket.
An adapted version, played on a modified table tennis table. Offers young people with a disability the chance to play and compete.
CLUB SUPPORT
ECB accreditation recognising clubs that meet high standards in safeguarding, coaching, and management.
Financial support for clubs to improve facilities, grow participation, and enhance sustainability.
All clubs must be affiliated with the County Cricket Board, and receive local & national support, access to ECB funding, volunteer recognition, safeguarding, competitions, pathway and links to Northamptonshire County Cricket Club.
We help clubs to create sustainable development plans, bringing structure and real strategic focus.
Information regarding other funding streams – ECB interest-free loan, Sport England, Mick George, Northamptonshire Community Foundation and others.
SCHOOLS
Engagement days and 6 week programmes delivered in Primary schools for free which is funded by the charity Chance to Shine.
Funded by KOGS Charity, we deliver free cricket in 15 schools across Kettering and surrounding villages, ending in a Kwik Cricket Festival at the County Ground.
Support and resources for PE Teachers to help them deliver cricket in schools.
PEOPLE
There’s no cricket without people.
That’s why we’re passionate about encouraging new communities and talent, on and off the field, to get involved in the game we love.
From first aiders, safeguarding and ground staff training, to scorers, umpires, and social media managers, it takes a village to make cricket happen and we’d love you to join our army of volunteers.
There’s training and support for coach development at every level – for those who’ve never held a bat to coaches rising through the ECB levels. Young Leaders, All Stars Activators, support roles – you can make a real difference, and we’re here to help you make it happen.
The Cricket Collective is the army of volunteers that makes cricket happen. , devoting valuable time to ensure that recreational cricket goes ahead, helping to connect their local community.
The annual Northamptonshire Cricket Collective Awards recognises the amazing volunteers in our county. It’s a wonderful, inspiring event, and we’re very proud of everyone nominated.
Volunteers, we salute you, and we couldn’t do any of this without you!
Find out more about our volunteering opportunities
VOLUNTEER
LIFE CHANCES
Creating powerful and positive change.
There are so many ways to be part of our Northamptonshire cricketing family, and our team is here to help make life that little bit better every day, by improving your physical and social wellbeing.
- Walking Cricket hubs, designed for older adults or those with limited mobility to stay active and social through cricket. New hubs are added all the time – check out our latest events.
- Working closely with our friends at Cobblers and Saints, in conjunction with Northamptonshire Sport, Teammates uses sport to build friendships, confidence and wellbeing, while supporting positive mental health.
- HAF programmes make sure that school children who receive free school meals have access to a healthy meal while playing sport in the school holidays – completely free.
- Collecting and redistributing pre-loved cricket gear to ensure cost of kit is not a barrier to the game.
We’re always looking for new partnerships and community links – please get in touch if you have an idea you’d like to discuss.
Foundation News
Read all the latest news from the Steelbacks Foundation here
News Story
Brixworth Cricket Club secures long-term future with support from the Steelbacks Foundation
READ STORY
