MCC Foundation
Our free cricket programme for 12-16 year old boys and girls in state-education
What is the MCC Programme?
The MCC Foundation is a free programme for boys and girls aged 12-16. The programme includes 10 weeks of winter training, and the opportunity to compete in the national hub competition in the summer. It is for state-educated cricketers not currently involved in a county setup.
About the hubs
Within Gloucestershire, we host two hubs: Bristol and Cheltenham.
The Bristol Hub is run by Wilf Brooke and Ricky Williams who deliver engaging and fun sessions in order to improve the skills of participants. The Bristol Hub offers cricket for the following: U13s boys, U16s boys and U16s girls. In 2024, the programme was held at St Bede`s School from January – March. In the summer, both the boys U16s and girls U16s sides progressed through the regional rounds of the national hub competition, but both fell short at the national quarter final stage. We look forward to having another crack at the cup in 2025.
The Cheltenham Hub is run by Jack Woods and offers cricket for U16s Girls.
How does it help young people?
The MCC Foundation is striving to break down barriers for young people reaching their full cricketing potential.
‘The Hubs focus on talent: helping promising youngsters who have been engaged through mass participation activities or non-traditional formats to join cricket clubs, develop their hard-ball skills, and access the formal talent pathways.
The Hubs also have a transformational impact off the cricket pitch, helping participants to feel happier and more confident, and improving their focus and performance at school.’
Harry Watts / Club Development Manager
Harry joined the team in August 2022 as our Urban Development Officer and was initially responsible for growing the game of cricket in the urban areas of Bristol and Gloucester. In April 2024, Harry was promoted to Club Development Manager where he now delivers on a number of ECB priority areas including Facility Development, Clubmark, as well as working with Local Authorities on their Playing Pitch Strategies.
In 2018, Harry graduated from Swansea University with a degree in Media & Communications and later gained a PGCE in Primary Education from UWE, having spent multiple years working in primary schools. At his local club, Thornbury CC, Harry supports in different areas, including being an emergency player when required!
Now in his exciting role as Club Development Manager, he is responsible for leading the team of club development staff and working closely with cricket clubs across the county to provide direct support with the aim of creating sustainable clubs for the future. Furthermore, Harry leads youth competitions and the ECB Clubmark Accreditation and sits on a number of GCF Development Groups and Committees.
As a local Bristolian, Harry is a Bristol Rovers supporter and is a big all-round sports fan.