Lincolnshire Cricket is committed to ensuring that every child and young person across the county can access and enjoy the game, regardless of ability, background or circumstance. Through inclusive school programmes, disability cricket, girls-only sessions and targeted community outreach, cricket is reaching places and people it never has before.

Lincolnshire Cricket was recognised for their unwavering commitment to opening cricket up to as many children as possible, when they won the Positive Experiences for Children and Young People Award, sponsored by Chestnut Homes at the Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards 2025.

By delivering innovative formats such as street cricket and table cricket, partnering with schools, clubs and refugee communities, and creating pathways from participation to performance, Lincolnshire Cricket is using the power of sport to build confidence, develop a love of sport and create community connections

A Mission Rooted in Opportunities for All

As a County Cricket Board, Lincolnshire Cricket’s mission is clear:

To provide an opportunity for every household in Lincolnshire to connect with cricket and experience the social, physical and wellbeing benefits it offers.

This mission comes to life through a wide-ranging programme that reaches thousands of young people each year. Their work spans:

• Primary and Secondary school programmes

• School competitions and festivals

• Disability cricket in schools and communities

• Girls-only cricket sessions

• Community outreach in areas of social and economic deprivation

• Holiday activity provision

• All Stars and Dynamos programmes delivered through local clubs

Every programme is designed to remove barriers and open doors to the game.

Innovative Cricket for Every Community

Lincolnshire Cricket understands that cricket must meet young people where they are. That’s why they deliver street cricket, tape ball cricket and informal formats in low income areas, making the game accessible, fun and welcoming to those who might never have picked up a bat before.

They also work in partnership with other sports to encourage children and young people to try new activities, building confidence and a love for being active.

Leading the Way in Disability Cricket

In partnership with Lord’s Taverners, Lincolnshire Cricket delivers a tailored programme across SEN schools in the county. A key part of this is Table Cricket, a fast-growing, inclusive format. Table cricket is primarily aimed towards young people who have physical impairments, however it is also valuable for those with learning disabilities as well.

In 2025,

• 27 schools entered teams of up to 10 players

• 3 County Finals were held

• 3 teams progressed to regional finals

• 1 team represented Lincolnshire at the National Finals at Lord’s

For many of these young people, this will be an unforgettable experience — and a powerful reminder that cricket truly is a game for all.

Beyond schools, Lincolnshire Cricket has expanded Table Cricket into community clubs in Barton, Lincoln, Grimsby and Stamford, and has even taken the game into care homes, ensuring participation across generations.

Empowering Girls Through Cricket

Lincolnshire Cricket is passionate about creating safe, welcoming spaces for girls to thrive in sport. Through strong partnerships with local clubs, they promote and deliver the ECB Dynamos Girls programme, encouraging more girls to pick up a bat, build confidence and stay active.

They have run a Girls Cricket festival, with the aim of creating a fun, safe, and inclusive space for girls to develop their skills and confidence in the game.

The driving force behind the idea was the success of the women’s softball festivals and the impact that they had on sustaining female participation in cricket in Lincolnshire. Spotting a chance to replicate this energy for younger female players, Lincolnshire Cricket worked with with Magnavale who provided the sponsorship to allow the festivals to run, along with the women’s indoor league.

Cricket With Compassion: Reaching Refugee Communities

Some of the most impactful work takes place beyond traditional cricket settings. Lincolnshire Cricket works directly with refugee camps, bringing laughter, joy and a sense of belonging to children who have fled their homelands and left everything behind.

Each child is welcomed with their own T-shirt, backpack, bat and ball — small gestures that create huge moments of happiness and hope, using sport as a universal language.

More Than a Game

The work of Lincolnshire Cricket goes far beyond developing players. It’s about changing lives, building communities and ensuring that every child — regardless of ability, or background — has the chance to feel included.

Hear from Justin Owen, Head of Participation and Growth at Lincolnshire Cricket, in this video filmed for the awards.

Find out more about Lincolnshire Cricket and their programmes here.