The Steelbacks Foundation’s 2025 Kit Recycling Scheme has expanded into the new year thanks to excellent support from the cricketing community in Northamptonshire.
The Foundation were able to donate bags of equipment to several club and community groups in its first year and will continue this in 2026.
Notable kit and equipment donations last year included Stewarts & Lloyds Cricket Club, a club with several Afghanistan refugees playing weekly, as well as a group of Bangladeshi cricketers playing at Trilogy Leisure in Duston.
Thanks to the many generous donations, club cricket in Northamptonshire once again increased in participation, with a new village cricket team established through Heyford Cricket Club’s donation of kit.
The excellent work of the Steelbacks Foundation relies upon donations and with just two months to go until the new cricket season, this is a crucial time to support a good cause.
Reflecting on last year and ambitions for 2026, Foundation Manager, Patricia Hankins, said:
“We’ve been astounded by the support for the Kit Recycling Scheme in its first year. We’ve been donated some high-quality equipment that we’ve been able to pass on to individuals which has been gratefully received.
“If you have equipment that you no longer use or know of spare equipment within a club, please get in touch. We’re looking to increase our reach for this scheme in 2026 and ensure no individual or club is left in need of kit this summer.”
Progressing into the second year of the Kit Recycling Scheme, the Foundation aim to receive cricket kit in good condition and distribute this across the county to continue to ensure opportunity is equal within the game.
To get involved and donate, please contact patricia.hankins@nccc.co.uk.