The England and Wales Cricket Board has launched two new programs aimed at expanding cricket participation in state secondary schools. The initiatives, which have received backing from former England international Chris Woakes, are part of a broader effort to reach more than half of all state secondary schools by the end of 2028.
Cricket For Teachers is a free training program intended to equip PE educators with the knowledge and skills needed to teach cricket effectively to students of varying ability levels. Schools participating in the program will receive training materials, equipment, and continued support to help develop sustainable cricket programs within their institutions. The initiative targets more than 3,500 teachers across over 1,700 state secondary schools.
Secondary Countdown Cricket is a separate mass-participation competition that will use soft ball equipment and cater to students aged 11 to 16. The competition is designed to increase accessibility and provide competitive opportunities for young players. Funding will support schools with necessary training, resources, and equipment to facilitate participation.
Woakes, who earned 217 international caps across all formats and won two World Cups with England before retiring from international cricket in 2025, expressed support for the programs’ potential to introduce cricket to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Richard Thompson, ECB chair, stated that the initiatives represent a commitment to making cricket more inclusive and accessible to young people from diverse backgrounds throughout England and Wales.
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