Cricket

History 

Since the introduction of Cricket in the School Games, the sport has undergone a number of changes to ensure young people get an outstanding experience suitable for both age and stage. The sport has both adapted and thrived with the introduction of national programmes (All Stars and Dynamos Cricket), new digital resources (Chance to Shine Schools Portal) and a review of junior formats to ensure the playing experience of children is at the heart of any decision we make. 

Purpose 

The purpose of cricket within the School Games is to give as many young people as possible at both primary and secondary school ages the chance to say ‘Cricket is a Game for Me’. We want children of all ages and abilities to have a positive experience of cricket, both as a participant or a leader, so that they will want to play or lead more in the future. Our resources differ across each Key Stage, and follow a playing and leading pathway. 

Our competitions have been designed to be inclusive, with easy adaptations that will help meet the needs of every pupil. For some children, running a specific inclusive competition that will enable them to play alongside others with similar disabilities may be more appropriate. This will help build confidence and create a positive learning environment. Further detail on this is included within the Dynamos Schools pack, which can be downloaded below. 

Cricket’s support across the Key Stages: 

• Play: KS1 – Skills Festivals; KS2 – Dynamos Schools; KS3/4 – Chance to Compete Festivals 
• Lead: KS2 – Playground Leaders; KS3/4 – ‘Be the Spark’ Leadership Programme 

Playing the Game 

Irrespective of age, the intent for any School Games engagement with cricket is to allow for maximum participation, therefore meaning enhanced skill development and opportunities to develop Personal & Social skills. 

Formats, both Skill based and Game play based, can all be adapted for either indoor or outdoor space – although due to the seasonal nature of the game, are generally targeted towards larger outdoor venues where multiple schools can take part.

Game play based (Countdown Pairs or Chance to Compete at KS2/3/4) formats focus on ‘8 a side’ with squads of 10 where players can rotate roles. Schools are encouraged to engage a whole class by bringing multiple teams and Countdown Pairs can be adapted to 6 a-side to enable this to happen much more easily. The Dynamos Schools pack outlines details for this.

‘Softball’ versions of the game are encouraged and are our priority formats – this significantly reduces the need for space and kit to play. However, at secondary school age there are hardball versions of Chance to Compete available if suitable.