The Community team have been busy throughout the summer ensuring that cricket participation across the County is as high as possible. With the Luton Steelbacks starting competitive matches, the Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards happening as well as plenty of cricket camps and fun days – there is lots going on in the Northamptonshire cricket community.
The Luton Steelbacks Academy played out their first competitive matches over the last few weeks, securing their first win v Berkshire. The academy was set up in 2021 and is a revolutionary sixth form programme that combines extensive cricket training with academic studies. David Ripley heads up the academy and led the side in their first competitive matches, only months after being setup.
Luton Steelbacks have had a strong start with a hard-fought loss v a strong Surrey side and a dominant victory v Berkshire Academy. Make sure to follow Luton Steelbacks on Twitter and read more on their opening matches here.
A major event in the community teams’ calendar occurred on Northamptonshire Steelbacks’ match v Essex Eagles as it was the Club’s Community Day. The event saw tickets at only £2, plenty of cricket activations and Frank Bruno was here to do a book signing and ring the bell. It was a fantastic day that saw a new record one day cup attendance at The County Ground with 3218 fans witnessing the thrilling victory.
Also on Community Day, the Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards (OSCAs) lunch was held at The County Ground. The event allowed the community team to distribute awards to recognise individuals in the community that have contributed significantly to the running and growth of local cricket in Northamptonshire. 18 awards were presented throughout the afternoon, read the full article about all of the amazing achievements here.
It was great to welcome @ShropDisCricket to The County Ground on Sunday 24th to play the @NorthantsCCC D40 squad.
It’s fantastic to see disability cricket played at Wantage Road, and we hope everyone involved enjoyed it! It would be great to welcome the sport here again.
Over the course of the summer months there has been a huge range of cricket activities available. Including soft and hard ball camps, cricket fun days, 5 day summer camps and more. It’s been amazing to see so much participation for all of the activities across the county – please don’t hesitate to send over any feedback or images to Steelbacks in the Community via their social channels.
There is still plenty more to come in August with hard and soft ball cricket camps happening throughout as well as a cricket fun day at Irthlingborough CC on August 17th. For more information or to book now click here.