From NEET to Careers in Cricket: Skills for Life

Aim

We are raising funds to train youth in cricket, giving them skills, accreditation and real pathways into careers in cricket.

  🏏 Changing Lives Through Cricket: Supporting Young People into Futures That Matter

Our Story

Across Lancashire and Greater Manchester, too many young people are being left behind, disconnected from education, employment and opportunity.

At the same time, local cricket clubs are struggling to survive due to a lack of volunteers, coaches and skilled workforce.

At Lancashire Cricket Foundation, we believe cricket can change this.

We use the power of cricket to bring people together, build confidence, and create meaningful pathways into employment and community life. With your support, we can unlock opportunities for young people who need it most—and strengthen the future of the communities we serve.

Why This Matters

There is a growing number of young people aged 16–25 who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). Many face complex barriers including:

• Low confidence and poor mental wellbeing
• Limited qualifications or work experience
• Lack of access to structured opportunities
• Social and economic disadvantage

Without intervention, these young people risk long-term unemployment, isolation, and reduced life chances.

At the same time, grassroots cricket is facing a crisis:

• Volunteers, coaches and officials are ageing
• Clubs lack new people to step into key roles
• Local provision is at risk of decline

We see an opportunity to solve both challenges, together.

What We Will Do

We will deliver a targeted skills and employability programme for 40 young people, focusing on those most in need.

Through cricket, participants will gain:

✅ Accredited Training

• Grounds maintenance and pitch preparation
• Umpiring and scoring
• Core coaching skills
• ECB-recognised qualifications

✅ Practical, Hands-On Experience

Designed for young people who may not thrive in traditional education settings.

✅ Personal Development

• Confidence building
• Communication and teamwork
• Leadership and independence

✅ Real Progression Opportunities

Participants will be connected to:

• Local cricket clubs
• Volunteering roles
• Paid opportunities
• Further training and education

Who We Will Support

This project will prioritise young people facing the greatest barriers, including:

• Those living in areas of high deprivation
• Care-experienced young people
• Individuals known to youth justice or support services
• Young people at risk of long-term disengagement

The Difference We Will Make

With your help, we will achieve:

• 40 young people engaged
• At least 75% completing the programme
• Accredited qualifications in coaching, officiating or grounds maintenace 
• At least 60% progressing into employment, education, training or volunteering
• Increased confidence, wellbeing and motivation

But beyond the numbers, this is about real lives.

A young person who starts with low confidence could finish the programme as a qualified coach, supporting others, and becoming a role model in their community.

At the same time, local cricket clubs will gain a new, diverse workforce, ensuring the game continues to thrive for future generations.

How Your Support Will Help

Your donation will directly fund:

• Training and accreditation costs
• Equipment and kit
• Specialist delivery staff
• Targeted support to remove barriers (e.g. travel, engagement support)

Every contribution helps us remove obstacles and create real opportunities.

Why Support This Project

This is more than a sports programme.

It is a chance to:

• Change the direction of a young person’s life
• Build stronger, safer communities
• Protect and sustain grassroots cricket
• Create inclusive opportunities for those who need them most

A Final Message

With your support, we can unlock potential that might otherwise go unseen.

We can help young people believe in themselves, gain real skills, and take positive steps into employment and community life.

And together, we can ensure cricket continues to be a force for good, bringing people together and creating lasting impact across Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

Your support can make a lasting difference—not just for 40 young people, but for the communities they will go on to inspire.

👉 Please support our campaign and help us change lives through cricket.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 3rd July 2026 at 10:03am