MCC and MCC Foundation are launching the new hardball cricket competition for state secondary schools across the UK at Under 15’s. (up to School Year 10 age group – with flexibility for the girls’ competition to allow two U16 players per match – this will be confirmed in the competition rules).

Named after two state-educated cricketing greats (Heather Knight and Cumbrian-born Ben Stokes) and backed by former England Captain, Michael Vaughan and The Black Heart Foundation, this ground-breaking initiative is designed to provide more opportunities for state-educated young cricketers to showcase their talent.

There will be a boys’ and girls’ competition launching in 2026 and both competitions will be run at county level, with progression to national rounds. Both the boys’ and girls’ finals are to be played at Lords in September 2026.

We encourage everyone involved in cricket in Cumbria to contact their local school about this fantastic initiative. It would be fantastic to see Cumbrian schools take part in this competition to ensure cricket is accessible to as many children in our county as possible.

Interested schools can click the button below to declare their interest.