Expanding access to cricket across Northern Ireland

The partnership marks a major step forward in the NCU’s ongoing commitment to broadening participation and creating new pathways into cricket for young people, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as well as those from disadvantaged backgrounds. As part of the partnership, the NCU will be delivering cricket activities—including table cricket and softball cricket—at a range of special and further education institutions, including:

• St Gerard’s Special School
• Belfast Metropolitan Technical College
• Longstone Special Education School
• Killard House Special Education School

This programme will culminate in a celebration event at Stormont in June 2025, showcasing the impact and achievements of all involved.

In addition to the SEND-focused programme, the NCU will also introduce the Wicketz initiative to community groups at Shankill Leisure Centre, in collaboration with RCB (Royals Challengers Belfast). Wicketz is a community cricket programme designed to tackle social inequality by providing young people aged 8–19 with a safe space to play, learn and grow through cricket. Recognising the importance of female participation in sport, the partnership will also support an under-11 girls’ after-school programme, providing more young girls the chance to engage with cricket in a fun and inclusive environment.

NCU Chief Executive, Callum Atkinson, commented: “This partnership with the Lord’s Taverners is a major milestone for the NCU. We’re proud to be delivering cricket in new and inclusive ways and ensuring that every young person, regardless of ability or background, has access to the game.”

Rob Tipping, Head of Cricket Programmes at the Lord's Taverners, added: “We’re excited to work alongside the NCU to bring our cricket programmes to Northern Ireland. Programmes like Wicketz and our work in SEND settings are designed to empower young people and communities, and we’re already seeing the difference it makes.”

NCU Club and Partnership Officer, Chris Taylor, discussed the potential of this new partnership: “Thanks to Rob Tipping and Dan Wilson for providing the NCU with this exciting opportunity, as well as all the training support they’ve delivered to our staff in recent months. We want to create opportunities for all through collaboration, and this supports our vision. The project’s initial plans are just the start of our breaking down barriers. We want to expand this programme and offer it to all communities around the NCU.”