HOW DO I  SIGN MY CHILD UP TO THE CLUB?

In 2025 our youth section numbered 141 members, we have always been a youth club with a few senior players! Our ethos is providing young cricketers with the best possible coaching on the best possible facilities as the best possible price. We have a professional grounds team who care for our youth wickets and dedicated youth covers to keep tracks dry and get the game on

Girls make up 15-20% of our youth membership and are rapidly growing in number. We currently offer mixed cricket as far up the age groups as girls are willing to go. We do find that at under 13s, they do favour splitting off into girls only cricket. Our current squad is an under 11 softball one. All girls are offered both youth coaching with the mixed squads and sole girls coaching with a dedicated coach depending on season numbers. We have had many girls in county squads over the years and started women’s cricket in 2015. There is a women's Softball team to grow into. 

No we do not. Allstars & Dynamos are an additional administration requirement and even require qualified coaches to do further training. It is a franchise from the England & Wales Cricket Board and we believe we can offer better coaching and experience as part of a club environment.

We are one of only a handful of clubs to offer a club coaching programme for all youth from under 5s up. This means that all youth are members of the club, have the option of a club shirt subject to sponsorship and feel part of a club from an early age. Our goal is the coaching of cricket to youth so that they stay with us and grow into our senior squads of the future in a club they see as theirs.

We vary this year to year depending on the make-up of our youth squads. The broad structure is in two year bands in the following squads –

• Under 5s
• Under 7s
• Under 9s 
• Under 11s
• Under 13s
• Under 15s.

In certain seasons though, for coaching reasons we may split age groups into single years or add squads such as under 16s or under 19s

Age groups broadly follow school years. The group your child is in depends on his/her age on September 1 of the prior year to the season played. e.g. if six on this date, your child is an under 7

Coaching children week in and out and also taking them for matches is a major commitment by volunteers some of whom are parents but many others are not. We are always looking for additional volunteers to get involved.

Our focus in the past few years has been increasing the numbers of coaches at the club to ensure coverage and relieve the pressure of volunteering. We now have over 20 ECB level 1 and 2 coaches to call on.

We still have main coaches for each squad but will frequently have other coaches acting as cover/help so that coaches can have breaks with their families and we can still offer cricket. The ECB level 1/Foundation coach course is a two day commitment and the ECB level 2/Core Coach is a four day one. Both enable the coach to lead a session.

Every coach and volunteer who comes into contact with children is subject to an annual ECB DBS check.

In the 2025 season, this amounted to over 50 club volunteers.

We have three trained safeguarding officers in the club and enforce the latest safeguarding policies from the ECB, reviewing these on an annual basis. If you have any concerns at all, please contact Welfare@PoultonCricketClub.co.uk.

We are very proud of the facilities at Poulton Cricket Club.

We have a large grass square which includes the dedicated youth wickets. All of which is cared of by our professional grounds team, Willow Turf Care. Under their supervision, the wickets are returning to past glories. We have dedicated youth covers for u11/u13 games which we will upgrade over the next few seasons as finances allow.

Our pavilion is large and open plan and contains a member only bar. Hawkstone is our lead brewer. On Fridays we have either a BBQ or a caterer selling food and we hope to add an ice cream van for the 2026 season. On Sunday mornings for the under 5s and girls sections the KNEAD coffee van visits every other Sunday morning.

High speed wifi broadcasts throughout the pavilion and the playing area. We also have two fixed, fully enclosed nets and a large playing outfield.

You can find more information on this in the individual squad FAQs, however we offer softball cricket in the Under 5 to Under 9 age groups and hardball cricket for Under 11s and older.

We do try and give Under 9 age children early experience of a hardball so the step up is easier.

Absolutely, there are leagues and friendly matches arranged each season for the under 11s, under 13s, under 15s and any older youth squads. For Under 9s, the preference from county boards has been festivals. We are not a fan of these as a club and are seeking bilateral matches for the 2026 season and beyond.

As soon as 1) youth players are old enough, 2) their confidence is ready and 3) Parents consent, we will look to get youth players games in our senior open age sides aiming for either the 3rd XI or the Sunday XI as both are development sides with the right environment for this. 

The goal of our youth section is to give young players the confidence and coaching they need to grow in the sport and play for as long as they want to as adults. Our succes in youth player retention has always been enabling young players to continue playing the game with their friends in the same side and this is our aim.

Do you have space for my child?

95% of the under 5s squad have progressed to the under 7s for 2026 so we are currently accepting membership requests for the 2026 season.

How big is the Squad?

We allow up to 30 members of the Under 5s squad however cap attendance at training at 20 so that our coaches can properly coach safely.

What does it cost?

Total membership is around £50, if you have other children in the club there are discounts on offer for the second and the third is free.

When is Training? 

Our under 5s train for an hour on Sunday mornings at 10am. Training is at our main ground in Poulton. We start in late April as weather allows and continue through to the end of July.

What does training look like?

We know full well that under 5s are always in the mood for cricket on the day! In 2025 the squad was 26 boys and girls. We have appropriately sized bats and use softballs and mix cricket skills with fun. Each week the core skills of fielding, batting and bowling will be coached

Who are the coaches?

We have two qualified ECB coachesfor the age group – Neil & Will who lead the sessions. Both are former 1^st XI players with children of similar age. Both have annually checked DBS records. Neil is a teacher at Pinewood school and Will is the Club Treasurer and one of the club’s safeguarding officers.

What can we expect as parents?

Our goal is to look after your children for an hour and given them a fun introduction to cricket setting them on a path through our youth section over many years through to our under 19s. We may need your help with this as Under 5s enjoyment often varies weekly and re-assurance is often needed! Please do not leave the ground while we are coaching your children. On every other Sunday we will have a coffee van at the club. 

Do you have space for my child?

95% of the under 5s squad have progressed to the under 7s for 2026 so this is currently the squad with the most numerical pressure.

Do you take beginners in the squad?

Yes we do, we have a lot of graduating under 5s, aware of the game but prior cricketing experience for the Under 7s is not necessary. 

How big is the Squad?

We allow up to 30 members of the Under 7s squad however we may cap attendance at training at 20 so that our coaches can properly coach safely. Both girls and boys are welcome in this squad. 

What does it cost?

Total membership cost for under 7s totals £50, this covers all club membership, playing fees and a bar membership for parents. If you have other children in the club there are discounts on offer for the second and the third is free.

When is Training? 

Our under 7s train for an hour on Friday evenings at 5pm alongside the Under 9s. Training is at our main ground in Poulton. We start in late April as weather allows and continue through to the end of July. Friday evenings at Poulton are centred on families with well over 100 people there. We lay on food from a food van (paid) and are seeking an ice cream van for the 2026 season. The bar is also open for parents. If the weather is good, there are few better places to spend the evening. We ask everyone to enjoy the evening but also remind parents that once coaching is done, children are back to the responsibility of parents for as long as they stay at the club.

What does training look like?

We know full well that under 7s are always in the mood for cricket on the day! We have appropriately sized bats and use softballs and mix cricket skills with having fun. For many, it is a continuation of their time in the under 5s but we always welcome a portion of new players into the club, particularly from other club’s Allstars programmes as they look to formalise their interest in cricket and take the next step within a club environment. 

Who are the coaches?

We have two qualified and very experienced ECB coachesfor the age group – Andy & Will who lead the sessions.Both have annually checked DBS records. Andy is a teacher and Will is the Club Treasurer and one of the club’s safeguarding officers, he also has a daughter in the squad. Both have played senior cricket to a high level. 

What can we expect as parents?

Our goal is to look after your children for an hour and given them a fun introduction to cricket setting them on a path through our youth section over many years through to our under 19s. We may need your help with this in the under 7s as enjoyment often varies weekly and re-assurance is often needed!

Can I leave my child with you? 

We would request that you do not leave the ground when we are coaching your child. 

Do you have space for my child?

We have a large current membership in the Under 9s however please do email our Youth Cricket team on youth@poultoncricketclub.co.uk to check the latest state of the squad.

Do you take beginners in the squad?

Yes we do, we have a lot of graduating under 7s, aware of the game but prior cricketing experience for the Under 7s is not necessary. This is the first squad though where beginners will find it harder but we will move at their pace. 

How big is the Squad?

We allow up to 30 members in the Under 9s squad however we will need to cap attendance at training depending on the number of coaches able to attend. Both girls and boys are welcome in this squad.

What does it cost?

Total membership cost for under 9s totals £50, this covers all club membership, playing fees and a bar membership for parents. If you have other children in the club there are discounts on offer for the second and the third is free.

When is Training? 

Our under 9s train for an hour on Friday evenings at 5pm alongside the Under 7s. Training is at our main ground in Poulton. We start in late April as weather allows and continue through to the end of July. Friday evenings at Poulton are centred on families with well over 100 people there. We lay on food from a food van (paid) and are seeking an ice cream van for the 2026 season. The bar is also open for parents. If the weather is good, there are few better places to spend the evening. We ask everyone to enjoy the evening but also remind parents that once coaching is done, children are back to the responsibility of parents for as long as they stay at the club.

What does training look like?

Under 9s are the first age ground with material cricket skills coaching and the training sessions are geared towards games and getting them ready for matches. We have appropriately sized bats and use softballs and mix cricket skills with having fun. We always welcome a portion of new players into the club at this age group, particularly from other club’s Allstars programmes as they look to formalise their interest in cricket and take the next step. At certain stages in the summer, we will begin hard ball training when we think the squad is ready. The jump to under 11s is big and when broken down, we keep more players in the club and sport. 

Who are the coaches?

We have two qualified ECB coaches for the age group – Rob & Will who lead the sessions backed up by support coaches abd other qualified coaches as required. All have annually checked DBS records.

What can we expect as parents?

Our goal is to look after your children for an hour and given them a further introduction to cricket continuing their path through our youth section. Please do not leave the ground while we are coaching your children. There will be games through the season to play as we introduce competitive cricket. These are focussed on enjoyment and not winning as the priority. This priority does however change in certain teams in older age groups. The Under 9s will play pairs cricket and get a bat and bowl.

Do you have space for my child?

We do have a large under 11s squad with limited places so please do email our Youth Cricket team on youth@poultoncricketclub.co.uk to check the latest status and reserve a place.

Do you take beginners in the squad?

This is a hard squad to take beginners as it is also an age where cricket moves to hardball from softball. We do take beginners them however and look after them as well we can but it is harder to learn the game. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to discuss this. 

How big is the Squad?

We allow up to 30 members in the Under 11s squad however we will need to cap attendance at training depending on the number of coaches able to attend. Both girls and boys are welcome in this squad.

What does it cost?

Total membership cost for under 11s costs around £70, if you have other children in the club there are discounts on offer for the second and the third is free. This higher price (in comparison to younger squads) covers the increased cost of playing hardball cricket on prepared grass wickets. We do not charge for any matches so this is an all included in the membership fee.

When is Training? 

Our under 11s train for an hour and a bit on Friday evenings at 6pm. Training is at our main ground in Poulton. We start in late April as weather allows and continue through to the end of July. The Under 11s will train on the square or in the nets and the only other squads there having coaching at the same will be the under 13s and Women’s Softball team. The Under 7s and 9s train immediately before.

Friday evenings at Poulton are centred on families with well over 100 people there. We lay on food from a food van (paid) and are seeking an ice cream van for the 2026 season. The bar is also open for parents. If the weather is good, there are few better places to spend the evening. We ask everyone to enjoy the evening but also remind parents that once coaching is done, children are back to the responsibility of parents for as long as they stay at the club.

What cricket does the squad play?

Under 11s is the first full season of hardball cricket. The squad will likely play both friendly T20 evenings (no fixed day) and Sunday morning league games as deemed appropriate by the coaching team. Depending on squad strength, the leagues entered will be either North Wiltshire and/or Gloucestershire Youth Leagues. Gloucestershire games can be longer.

What does training look like?

Hardball cricket is a big jump for the prior year’s under 9s which needs careful initial sessions to handle. The squad is initially divided by under 10s and Under 11s as a result. The focus is on the hardball bounce, wearing protective equipment and gaining the confidence to play the sport for a long time.

We always welcome a portion of new players into the club at this age group, particularly from other clubs. Starting the sport though at this age is a major challenge but we do what we can to accommodate this.

Who are the coaches?

We have two qualified ECB coaches for the age group – Tristan & Suni. Both Senior club players with boys in the squad. They lead the sessions backed up by support coaches and others as required. All have annually checked DBS records.

What can we expect as parents?

Our goal is to look after your children for their first season of competitive hard ball cricket, give them game time and build their confidence and love of the game. These are focussed on enjoyment but also aim at winning. Depending on the year’s squad strength, we may enter a strong league and a development one to offer something for everyone.

Do you have space for my child?

We do have a large under 13s squad but do currently have some space for new joiners so please do email our Youth Cricket team on youth@poultoncricketclub.co.uk to check the latest status and reserve a place.

Do you take beginners in the squad?

Sadly we cannot take beginners at this level of the sport. Our squad strength is strong and playing an established level of cricket.

How big is the Squad?

We allow up to 25 members in the Under 13s squad however we will need to cap attendance at training depending on the number of coaches able to attend. Both girls and boys are welcome in this squad.

What does it cost?

Total membership cost for under 13s costs around £70, if you have other children in the club there are discounts on offer for the second and the third is free. This higher price (in comparison to younger squads) covers the increased cost of playing hardball cricket on prepared grass wickets. We do not charge for any youth matches so this is an all included in the membership fee. We do however charge a match fee for under 13s playing senior cricket. (£5 in the 1^st XI, £2.50 in the 2^nd XI but nothing in the 3^rd XI)

When is Training? 

Our under 13s train for an hour and a bit on Friday evenings at 6pm. Training is at our main ground in Poulton. We start in late April as weather allows and continue through to the end of July. The Under 13s will train on the square or in the nets and the only other squads there having coaching at the same will be the under 11s and Women’s Softball team. The Under 7s and 9s train immediately before.

Friday evenings at Poulton are centred on families with well over 100 people there. We lay on food from a food van (paid) and are seeking an ice cream van for the 2026 season. The bar is also open for parents. If the weather is good, there are few better places to spend the evening. We ask everyone to enjoy the evening but also remind parents that once coaching is done, children are back to the responsibility of parents for as long as they stay at the club.

What cricket does the squad play?

The squad will likely play both friendly T20 evenings (no fixed day currently) and Sunday morning league games as deemed appropriate by the coaching team. Depending on squad strength, the leagues entered will be either North Wiltshire and/or Gloucestershire Youth Leagues. Gloucestershire games can be longer.

What does training look like?

Training will focus on developing skills learned in the u11s and getting the team ready for league cricket. With an extra year of experience and growth behind them, u13s is a step up from the u11s and it will be reflected in the drill

Who are the coaches?

We have several qualified ECB coaches for the age group. They lead the sessions backed up by support coaches and others as required. All have annually checked DBS records.

What can we expect as parents?

Our goal is to look after your children in their second/third season of competitive hard ball cricket, give them game time and build their confidence and love of the game. Their cricket will be focussed on enjoyment but also aimed at winning. Depending on the year’s squad strength, we may enter a strong league and a development one to offer something for everyone. As parents you will be members of our club bar and become as integrated as a member as you wish. Come to the club, enjoy the food and drink and unwind. It is notjust your children who join the club. 

Do you have space for my child?

We do have room currently in our under 15s squad so please email our Youth Cricket team on youth@poultoncricketclub.co.uk to check the latest status and reserve a place.

Do you take beginners in the squad?

Sadly we cannot take beginners at this level of the sport. Our squad strength is strong and playing an established level of cricket.

How big is the Squad?

We allow up to 20 members in the Under 15s squad however we will need to cap attendance at training depending on the number of coaches able to attend. Both girls and boys are welcome in this squad.

What does it cost?

Total membership cost for under 15s costs around £70, if you have other children in the club there are discounts on offer for the second and the third is free. This higher price (in comparison to younger squads) covers the increased cost of playing hardball cricket on prepared grass wickets. We do not charge for any youth matches so this is an all included in the membership fee. We do however charge a match fee for under 13s playing senior cricket. (£5 in the 1^st XI, £2.50 in the 2^nd XI but nothing in the 3^rd XI)

When is Training? 

Our under 15s train for an hour on Thursday evenings at 5.30pm. Training is at our main ground in Poulton. We start in late April as weather allows and continue through to the end of July. The senior section trains from 6.30pm and all u15s are encouraged to join them so they can get to know the players they will play alongside in senior cricket.

Friday evenings at Poulton are centred on families with well over 100 people there. We lay on food from a food van (paid) and are seeking an ice cream van for the 2026 season. The bar is also open for parents. If the weather is good, there are few better places to spend the evening. We ask everyone to enjoy the evening but also remind parents that once coaching is done, children are back to the responsibility of parents for as long as they stay at the club.

What cricket does the squad play?

The squad will likely play both friendly T20 evenings (no fixed day currently) and Sunday morning league games as deemed appropriate by the coaching team. Depending on squad strength, the leagues entered will be either North Wiltshire and/or Gloucestershire Youth Leagues. Gloucestershire games can be longer. There has been a large shake up in Gloucestershire and we are still waiting for final details here.

What does training look like?

Training will focus on developing skills and getting the team ready for a higher standard of league cricket. With another year of experience and growth behind them, u15s is a step up from the u13s and it will be reflected in the drills they do. 

Who are the coaches?

We have several qualified ECB coaches for the age group. They lead the sessions backed up by support coaches and others as required. All have annually checked DBS records.

What can we expect as parents?

Our goal is to look after your children in their second/third season of competitive hard ball cricket, give them game time and build their confidence and love of the game. Their cricket will be focussed on enjoyment but also aimed at winning. Depending on the year’s squad strength, we may enter a strong league and a development one to offer something for everyone. As parents you will be members of our club bar and become as integrated as a member as you wish. Come to the club, enjoy the food and drink and unwind. It is not just your children who join the club. 

Do you have space for my child?

We do have room currently in our under 16s squad so please email our Youth Cricket team on youth@poultoncricketclub.co.uk to check the latest status and reserve a place.

Do you take beginners in the squad?

Sadly we cannot take beginners at this level of the sport. Our squad strength is strong and playing an established level of cricket.

How big is the Squad?

We allow up to 20 members in the Under 16s squad however we will need to cap attendance at training depending on the number of coaches able to attend. Both girls and boys are welcome in this squad.

What does it cost?

Total membership cost for under 16s costs around £70, if you have other children in the club there are discounts on offer for the second and the third is free. This higher price (in comparison to younger squads) covers the increased cost of playing hardball cricket on prepared grass wickets. We do not charge for any youth matches so this is an all included in the membership fee. We do however charge a match fee for under 13s playing senior cricket. (£5 in the 1^st XI, £2.50 in the 2^nd XI but nothing in the 3^rd XI)

When is Training? 

Our under 16s train for an hour on Thursday evenings at 5.30pm. Training is at our main ground in Poulton. We start in late April as weather allows and continue through to the end of July. The senior section trains from 6.30pm and all u16s are encouraged to join them so they can get to know the players they will play alongside in senior cricket.

Friday evenings at Poulton are centred on families with well over 100 people there. We lay on food from a food van (paid) and are seeking an ice cream van for the 2026 season. The bar is also open for parents. If the weather is good, there are few better places to spend the evening. 

What cricket does the squad play?

The squad will likely play both friendly T20 evenings (no fixed day currently) and league games after the end of GCSEs as deemed appropriate by the coaching team. Depending on squad strength, the leagues entered will be either North Wiltshire and/or Gloucestershire Youth Leagues. Gloucestershire games can be longer. There has been a large shake up in Gloucestershire and we are still waiting for final details here.

What does training look like?

Training will focus on developing the squad into senior cricket and also getting the team ready for their own league cricket.

Who are the coaches?

We have several qualified ECB coaches for the age group. They lead the sessions backed up by support coaches and others as required. All have annually checked DBS records.

What can we expect as parents?

Our goal is to look after your children in their second/third season of competitive hard ball cricket, give them game time and build their confidence and love of the game. Their cricket will be focussed on enjoyment but also aimed at winning. Depending on the year’s squad strength, we may enter a strong league and a development one to offer something for everyone. As parents you will be members of our club bar and become as integrated as a member as you wish. Come to the club, enjoy the food and drink and unwind. It is not just your children who join the club.