Schools Day 2025, held at The Kia Oval on Monday, June 30th, saw an astounding 5,202 children from 113 schools across Surrey and South London descend upon the iconic ground.
This collaborative event, a real highlight of the year for the Surrey Cricket Foundation and our partners at Surrey County Cricket Club, offered an unforgettable introduction to live cricket for thousands of youngsters.
For many of these attendees, Schools Day 2025 marked their very first experience of professional cricket, and what an experience it turned out to be! The children witnessed history in the making as Surrey County Cricket Club posted a staggering 820 runs against Durham on Day 2 of their County Championship clash – a new club record! Adding to the excitement, star batsman Dom Sibley etched his name into the record books with a magnificent triple century, providing an inspiring spectacle for all our young fans.
But the thrill wasn’t just on the pitch. The Kia Oval buzzed with a whole host of free activities designed to engage and entertain. Youngsters enjoyed bouncing on cricket inflatables, getting creative with face painting, and honing their skills with expert cricket coaching from our very own Surrey Cricket Foundation coaches. Soul Fitness provided energetic and fun activities, while a special visit from some furry and feathered friends from Vauxhall City Farm proved to be a popular attraction.
This hugely successful event is a powerful testament to the Surrey Cricket Foundation’s tireless work in schools across Surrey and South London. Schools Day 2025 is the culmination of ongoing engagement programmes, coaching initiatives, and partnerships that aim to introduce cricket to new audiences and nurture a love for the sport from a young age.
“To see over 5,000 children, many experiencing live cricket for the very first time, completely captivated by the sport, while also witnessing such a momentous day for Surrey County Cricket Club, was truly inspiring,” said Chris Coleman, Director of Cricket Participation for the Surrey Cricket Foundation. “It underscores the vital importance of our work in schools, laying the groundwork for the next generation of players and fans. The energy and excitement around the ground were palpable, and we are incredibly proud to have played a part in creating such lasting memories for these young people.”
The collaboration between the Surrey Cricket Foundation and Surrey County Cricket Club continues to go from strength to strength, with Schools Day serving as a shining example of our shared commitment to growing the game and making cricket accessible to all. The smiles on the faces of thousands of children at The Kia Oval were a clear indication that the future of cricket in Surrey and south London is in very good hands.
