All Stars To County Age Group - A Cricketing Journey
In Lancashire, cricket is a journey of growth and dreams coming to life. For 11 County Age Group Players, their cricketing path began with the England and Wales Cricket Board's All Stars Cricket programme, aimed at providing children aged five to eight with a great first experience in cricket. The programme is action-packed with game-based activities that help develop fundamental skills and have an exciting summer.
County Age Group cricket represents junior cricket in Lancashire, offering a platform for young talents. The Lancashire Cricket Foundation oversees boy’s teams at u11s and u12s, while the Lancashire Cricket Performance Department manages squads from u13s upwards. In addition, Lancashire Cricket fosters inclusivity with dedicated girls' teams.
Selection into the county age group cricket is based upon a number of elelents, considering performance now and future potential. Players are observed across multiple time points by multiple people at sessions or games, including but exhaustive of Inter League cricket, nomination by County Scout, at a development centre, or MCCF session. . The time spent in the county age group sets players on their individual development journey, ensuring support for each cricketer.
Zakariyya Ahmed who started his cricketing journey in the All Stars programme and then moved into the County Age Group said “Cricket quickly became my favourite sport, as there is always something new to learn. It also makes me feel part of a community and I am making new friends along the way. After All Stars, I carried on playing for my local club and after being recommended for trials by my club coach, I was selected to play for the Lancashire under 10s in 2022/23. I’ve enjoyed my journey so far and I hope to represent Lancashire and England one day.”
Shaun McGowan former All Stars Participant said “ All Stars was a fantastic introduction to cricket for me. I enjoyed playing cricket with our neighbours on the street and it was just what I needed to take me to the next level. Getting the All Stars kit, bag and bat made me feel part of a team because everyone wore the same kit and used the same bat in training. The coaching was fantastic and the weekly sessions were fun too, it was great to see my friends enjoying cricket and getting better every week. I couldn’t wait to go back again after my first session, I was hooked”
In 2023 Lancashire witnessed 152 All Stars programmes spread across the region welcoming a total of 4,119 children ready to embark on their cricketing path, with the sign-up process now underway for the upcoming season, there's no better moment to secure your spot in a programme near you.
To find a programme in your area and sign up ready for a summer of fun click here