You're welcome.
CRICKET IS A GAME FOR ME
Whether you are a young player, a dedicated supporter, a working partner, or totally new to cricket, you have a part to play when it comes to making cricket truly inclusive.
The game of cricket is honest about the challenges we face when tacking unfairness and discrimination, and we aim to be brave and committed to taking actions that make things better.
The Steelbacks Foundation is determined to deliver equity, diversity and inclusion in cricket, to make sure everyone feels like cricket is a game for them.
ACCESSIBLE CRICKET
We offer cricket in different, accessible formats which means more people with a disability or life challenge can get involved. Find out more by contacting our Inclusion Officer
Table cricket is played on a modified table tennis table. Alongside the Lord’s Taverners charity, we deliver table cricket in SEND schools and settings across Northamptonshire, ending with a finals day held at the County Ground.
Scroll for more ↓
Super 1s gives 12-25 year olds with a disability a chance to enjoy regular cricket. With weekly coaching sessions at county community hubs, participants compete against their peers and value the benefits of playing sport. As part of the programme, we also offer health and nutrition workshops plus educational visits.
Scroll for more ↓
The ECB’s Disability Cricket Champion Club Programme provides guidance and resources to clubs, so they can welcome those with additional needs and varying abilities and help them to get involved.
Scroll for more ↓
Our visually impaired cricket team takes part in national and international competitions. The County Ground was proud to host a national final in 2024.
Scroll for more ↓
Entry- level softball for players taking part in County-level disability cricket.
Scroll for more ↓
Softball cricket delivered to children with SEND in specialist or mainstream schools.
Scroll for more ↓
ENGAGING COMMUNITIES
The Steelbacks Foundation is committed to making cricket feel welcoming and accessible to everyone in Northamptonshire, including people from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. We work with local communities, clubs and partners to break down barriers to participation and create spaces where people feel comfortable, represented and valued. By supporting inclusive programmes, grassroots clubs and community-led activity, we help more people discover cricket, connect with others and feel a sense of belonging. Our belief is simple: when cricket reflects the communities it serves, it becomes a stronger force for connection, pride and opportunity across the county.
JUNIOR CRICKET
In the early years, cricket is all about having fun, making new friends and learning new skills. All Stars and Dynamos provides a fantastic first experience for all children, getting them involved in playing cricket at your local cricket club. These ECB programmes are the perfect place to start for your 5-8 and 9-12 year olds.
Teaches children in a school environment to play cricket while building academic and life skills. Sessions are designed for different ages and abilities, so over a six-week programme, everyone learns and improves. Further coaching packages for schools are also available.
Scroll for more ↓
Chance to Shine Street brings cricket to thousands of young people in urban areas, building aspiration, promoting social cohesion and creating opportunities in diverse communities.
It’s a fast-paced version of the game played with a tapeball, in small enclosed spaces – a bit like five-a-side football.
Every child, no matter where they live, should have the opportunity to play cricket. Chance toi Street projects run after-school or at weekends in accessible, non-club locations. They are completely free, and players don’t need any special equipment or clothing.
Scroll for more ↓
Our holiday clubs and cricket camps always receive fantastic feedback, offering a great opportunity for kids to play sport, socialise and build confidence in a safe and fun environment. Check out our events page to see what’s currently on offer.
Scroll for more ↓
All Stars and Dynamos Cricket provides a fantastic first experience for all children to get involved in cricket. The programmes are designed to introduce children to the sport, teaching them new skills, helping them make new friends and have a great time doing so.
All Stars Cricket is for 5-8 year olds
Dynamos Cricket is for 8-11 year olds
Scroll for more ↓
Competitive hardball and softball competitions for boys and girls from U10 to U17. We operate three junior leagues across the county, with matches throughout the week and on Sundays.
Scroll for more ↓
Free to access coaching for talented young players who attend a state school, aiming to bridge the gap between the provision of cricket in state vs private schools.
In 2026, we are delivering even more hubs, for U13 and U15 for boys and for U14 and U17 for girls.
Scroll for more ↓
WOMEN & GIRLS
Cricket should be open to everyone — and that starts with giving women and girls the chance to play, learn, and enjoy the game in a fun and welcoming environment. The Steelbacks Foundation works closely with clubs, schools and communities to provide a clear pathway for girls' cricket - from first experience through to county age group programmes and beyond. Whatever your experience, there’s a place for you in Northamptonshire’s growing women and girls’ cricket community.
A fun, social introduction to the game — no pads, no pressure, just plenty of laughs and friendly competition. Softball festivals run throughout the summer, giving teams the chance to meet, play and celebrate cricket together.
Scroll for more ↓
For players ready to take the next step, hardball sessions and league fixtures offer a competitive experience while keeping the emphasis on enjoyment, teamwork and support. There are structured leagues across Northamptonshire giving women and girls of all ages and abilities the chance to progress and perform.
Scroll for more ↓
The Midweek Women’s League offers competitive 20-over hardball cricket, with an emphasis on player development.
East Midlands Cricket League is a higher standard, taking in experienced teams from Northants, Leicestershire and Notts.
For girls, we offer hardball leagues at age groups U12, U14 and U16, and softball leagues at U11 and U13.
Scroll for more ↓
ADULT CRICKET
There are 80 cricket clubs within Northamptonshire playing at different levels within the Northants Cricket League, South Northants Cricket League, or playing friendlies only. Whether you are new to cricket or returning to the sport, there will be a cricket club that's right for you.
Comprised of sixteen divisions playing on Saturday made up from clubs from Northants, Beds, Bucks, Hunts, Cambs, Leics and Warks. The NCL also runs a Women’s Midweek league which is played on a Wednesday evening.
Scroll for more ↓
Walking Cricket hubs across the county offer older adults the opportunity to take part in weekly sessions. Players may have limited mobility, or just want to stay active and social whilst playing cricket. Our six hubs are becoming more popular and valued, all the time.
Scroll for more ↓
The U19 T20 club competition is offered to clubs across the county, and played in July/August with a finals day in September. The winner of the Northants competition goes on to represent the county at regional finals.
Scroll for more ↓
With 80+ cricket clubs in Northamptonshire, there’s bound to be one just around the corner from you.
Clubs are always happy to welcome new cricketers.
Even if you’ve never picked up a bat before, find your local club and get involved.