Lisburn CC - New Communities

Aim: Lisburn Cricket Club aim to use this funding to support the develop of schools coaching in communities with a 1st percentile NISRA rate.

Who We Are

Lisburn Cricket Club is the oldest cricket club in Northern Ireland and the third oldest in Ireland, with a proud history dating back to 1836. Now celebrating our 188th year, we have grown into a thriving community club dedicated to developing young cricketers and fostering a love for the game. Our youth programme engages over 350 young players, from age 6 to 19, providing structured coaching and competitive opportunities. In recent years, our success has been reflected in winning 4 out of 6 All-Ireland youth trophies, and we continue to be pioneers in expanding participation, particularly in underrepresented groups.

Cricket at Lisburn Cricket Club is more than just a sport; it is a tool for inclusion, personal development, and community engagement. We believe that everyone, regardless of background, should have access to sport. Our new project is a direct response to this commitment, aiming to bring cricket to young people in areas of greatest need, ensuring they have the same opportunities as others to enjoy the benefits of sport and teamwork.

Why This Project Matters

We are launching a brand-new schools outreach programme, set to run from January to March 2026, specifically targeting young people in six local primary schools (P4-P7) in areas of greatest need (based on NISRA postcode, quartile 1). Many children in these areas face barriers to accessing sports due to financial constraints, lack of local facilities, or limited structured coaching in schools. By bringing cricket directly to these schools, we will provide a welcoming, inclusive, and enjoyable introduction to the game, encouraging long-term participation and fostering a more diverse club environment.

Historically, our outreach efforts have focused on a broad range of schools, but this initiative is the first to be exclusively aimed at schools in areas of greatest need. This ensures that children who might otherwise miss out on the chance to play cricket can experience the game in a fun, structured, and supportive environment.

Our Project

Our schools outreach programme will deliver 200 hours of high-quality coaching over 8 weeks (25 hours per week) in six local primary schools, giving hundreds of young people their first experience of cricket. Our aims include:

• Delivering structured coaching sessions in six primary schools, engaging over 300 children.

• Providing schools with free cricket equipment, including plastic balls, tennis balls, and mini cricket sets, to enhance the sessions and encourage continued participation.

• Creating clear pathways for children to join Lisburn Cricket Club, offering them an opportunity to develop their skills further in a welcoming club environment.

• Encouraging family participation through club open days and engagement events, helping to build a stronger, more diverse cricketing community.

This is a brand-new initiative, distinct from any previous work we have done. While we have long-standing partnerships with schools, this is the first targeted programme aimed specifically at children in areas of highest deprivation. It represents a meaningful step towards making cricket accessible to all, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the chance to play and enjoy the game.

How You Can Help

Your support will enable us to:

• Fund Coaching Delivery: Cover coaching costs of £5,000 to ensure that all sessions are fully funded and accessible to participating schools.

• Equip Coaches and the club to deliver quality sessions: Supply cricket equipment such as plastic balls, tennis balls, and mini cricket sets, removing financial barriers and ensuring long-term impact.

• Create Pathways to Club Cricket: Offer free taster sessions at Lisburn Cricket Club in term 2 to children who want to continue their cricketing journey. Linking this to potential club memberships when the official season begins.

• Increase Diversity and Inclusion: Bring cricket to young people who may never have considered it an option, helping to build a more representative and inclusive club.

Lisburn Cricket Club is committed to breaking down barriers to participation and ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to experience the joy of cricket. This project aligns with national and regional sporting strategies to increase access to sport for underrepresented communities, and your support will directly contribute to making a real, lasting difference.

Thank you for considering supporting our new schools outreach programme. With your help, we can inspire the next generation of cricketers and provide young people in areas of greatest need with the chance to enjoy all the benefits that sport has to offer.