Cricket is woven into the fabric of British sport, but it’s not always clear how to get started, especially for parents whose children show an early interest but have never played before. Whether your child dreams of being the next Ben Stokes or just wants a go with bat and ball, grassroots cricket in the UK is more accessible than ever.

This is something I’ve become really familiar with in recent years.

We are a cricket family, and the boys have both been playing in teams for a few years now. You have probably seen a lot of cricket content on my social media pages too, of us all going to watch cricket, the boys playing a game of cricket, and me being relegated to the sidelines with other cricket parents.

Here’s a guide to help parents understand how to get their children involved in cricket—from local clubs and national initiatives to kit, costs, and what to expect during the season.

Why Cricket?

Cricket offers more than just physical benefits. It encourages teamwork, concentration, patience, and resilience—all valuable life skills. For younger children, it’s also a fun, social way to spend time outdoors and build up their skill level. It was a simple choice to make, as both boys love sports and enjoy watching cricket, so it was a natural progression for them to start playing.

Plus, with shows like Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams highlighting how talent can be found in unlikely places, cricket is shedding its stuffy image and opening doors to kids from all walks of life. You don’t need to find an expensive cricket academy; you simply need to know where to look for local cricket clubs.

Grassroots Cricket in the UK: Where to Start

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has made great efforts to make cricket accessible to children of all backgrounds and abilities to help everyone develop core cricket skills..

All Stars Cricket (Ages 5–8)

This is a fantastic entry-level programme for young children to introduce them to being cricket players and get a taste for the game. It focuses on fun, teamwork, and basic skills. When they sign up, kids get a personalised shirt, bat, ball, and backpack.

• Sessions: 8-week blocks, held at local clubs during spring/summer
• Cost: Around £40–£50 for the full programme
• Find out more: www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars

Dynamos Cricket (Ages 8–11)

For slightly older kids or those progressing from All Stars. Sessions focus on gameplay, with more structure and a chance to build confidence.

• Sessions: Run at clubs and schools, mostly outdoors
• Cost: Typically under £50
• Website: www.ecb.co.uk/play/dynamos-cricket

Junior Cricket Clubs (Ages 11+)

By the time your child hits their early teens, they may want to play competitive games and dive into the more technical side of things to explore their talent. Local clubs often run age-group teams (U11, U13, U15, etc.) with league fixtures, nets training, and more serious coaching. They may even undertake a more personal coaching course if it is available or affordable.

How to Find a Local Cricket Club

• Visit the ECB’s Club Finder: www.ecb.co.uk/play
• Ask at your child’s school or local leisure centre
• Check local Facebook groups or community noticeboards
• Attend a taster session—most clubs offer free trial days in spring

Don’t worry if you don’t have a cricket background yourself—clubs are friendly and very welcoming to new families.

What Equipment Will My Child Need?

For beginners, the gear doesn’t need to be fancy. Many clubs provide shared kits, especially for younger age groups. But if your child sticks with it, you’ll likely need:

Essentials:

• Cricket bat (sized for your child’s height)
• Helmet (mandatory for hard-ball cricket)
• Pads and gloves
• Box (for boys and girls)
• Cricket whites or training kit
• Rubber-soled cricket shoes or trainers

Tip:

You don’t need to buy everything new. Try second-hand kit on Vinted, Facebook Marketplace or your local cricket club’s swap shop. Specialist shops like Decathlon or Sports Direct offer affordable junior gear too.

What Does It Cost?

Cricket doesn’t have to break the bank, but costs can vary:

Many clubs offer sibling discounts or instalment payment options. Some also run fundraising schemes to subsidise fees.

What’s the Time Commitment?

• Spring/Summer season (April–August) is when most training and matches happen.
• Expect one evening training session a week, plus occasional weekend matches.
• Indoor nets or coaching might run in winter, but these are usually optional.

Remember: it’s a game, not a grind. Your child doesn’t have to play every match to be part of the team.

Tips for Parents New to Cricket

• Bring a camping chair and layers – British weather is unpredictable, and cricket matches can last a while.
• Snacks, suncream and water are essential, especially during tournaments or warm days.
• Get involved – Most clubs are run by volunteers, and help is always welcome. Even if you’re not cricket-savvy, you can help with teas, admin or scoring.
• Encourage effort, not just performance – Skills and cricket fundamentals will develop, but confidence and enjoyment matter more in the early years.

Spotlight: Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams

This BBC show followed cricket legend Andrew Flintoff as he set up a team in inner-city Preston, offering boys from disadvantaged backgrounds a chance to fall in love with cricket. It showed how talent can emerge when children are simply given a chance, and how cricket can unite, uplift, and inspire.

The takeaway for parents? You don’t need to spend thousands or know the game inside out. You just need to give your child the opportunity to learn the basics of cricket and go from there.

Final Thoughts

Cricket in the UK is more inclusive and family-friendly than ever. Whether your child wants to play a game of cricket casually or dreams of wearing the England kit one day and being part of the top cricket clubs in the country, grassroots cricket offers a welcoming start for every young cricketer.

With the right support, a pair of comfy trainers, and maybe a sunhat or two, you can get your child into cricket, and they will be stepping out to bat in no time.

Useful Links:

• Find Your Nearest Club – ECB
• All Stars Cricket
• Dynamos Cricket

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