On Saturday, the Kia Oval played host to three MCC Foundation hub teams from South London – Clapham, Croydon, and Dulwich – who battled it in the first round of the MCC Foundation National Finals. The event underscored the vital role these hubs play in providing opportunities for talented state school cricketers, with the newly formed Clapham side making their debut appearance. Ultimately, the Croydon team emerged as winners on the day and successfully progressed to the regional stage of the competition.
The MCC Foundation hubs are a nationwide network of free-to-access cricket training programmes for state-educated young cricketers aged 11-16. These hubs aim to reduce barriers to accessing cricket, broaden participation in the hardball game, and diversify talent pathways. By providing high-quality coaching and match play, the MCC Foundation hubs strive to empower young people to reach their full potential in the sport, regardless of their background.
For the newly formed Clapham hub, run by the Surrey Cricket Foundation, this event marked a significant milestone. Lead coach Steven La Roche explains; “It’s been the first year of our involvement with the programme, and was the first time the Clapham squad had ever played together.”
The Clapham team’s journey began with an impressive turnout of over 80 trialists at St. Francis Xavier’s 6th Form College. A high-quality squad of 16 state school players was then selected to take part in the 10-week coaching programme, run by Surrey Cricket Foundation coaches.
La Roche emphasised the core mission of the hub, explaining, “The hope with the hub is to begin to bridge the gap between what is available to private school pupils and those in state education, and give them the opportunity to play against likewise talented opposition in the MCC’s national competition.”
Reflecting on the season so far, La Roche was full of praise for his team. “The players have been an absolute delight to work with, and the coaching team have been dedicated and passionate about their work.”
Looking ahead, the future looks bright for the Clapham hub. “We can’t wait to build on the work we have begun with this amazing group of players in the new year, and hope to go from strength to strength with them,” La Roche concluded.
The day at the Kia Oval served as a fantastic showcase of the talent nurtured within the MCC Foundation hubs, highlighting the dedication of players and coaches alike in providing opportunities for young cricketers from state schools across South London. These hubs play a crucial role in identifying and developing promising youngsters who may not have otherwise had access to such high-quality coaching and competitive opportunities, helping them to join cricket clubs and progress within the formal cricketing structures.
