New Collaboration to Make Cricket More Accessible in Herefordshire
Thursday, 08 January 2026
A new collaboration between Herefordshire Cricket, Hereford Sixth Form College and the University of Worcester will transform access to cricket for young people in the region.
The initiative, which is already underway, sees weekly coaching sessions delivered at the College, led by student coaches from the University’s Cricket Coaching and Management with Integrated Masters course and funded by Herefordshire Cricket.
Craig Williams, Course Leader and Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching at the University of Worcester, said: “The England Cricket Board (ECB)’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) report has highlighted the importance of reducing barriers for state school participation in cricket.”
“This programme won’t just enhance engagement in grassroots cricket, but it will help build a stronger, more inclusive cricketing community in Herefordshire,” he continued. “By offering structured coaching and development opportunities, it ensures young people from across the region can develop their skills, connect through sport, and be part of a thriving local cricket culture.”
Craig added: “In addition to that, it’s also a fantastic opportunity for our students to develop their own coaching and leadership skills.”
Andy Douthwaite from Hereford Sixth Form said: “This new partnership should provide an opportunity for our cricketers to develop their game while completing their Level 3 qualifications.”
He added: “It’s something we’ve been looking to add to our Sport Academy offer for some time, and providing access to high quality coaching and technical support can only be of benefit to the wider cricket community.”
Peter Gale, Schools Communities and Partnerships Coordinator at Herefordshire Cricket, said: “Our ambition is to nurture homegrown talent, strengthen the county’s player base, and inspire the next generation of cricketers to achieve their full potential both on and off the field.”
He added: “The reason that Herefordshire Cricket proposed this initiative was to provide a clear pathway for young cricketers to develop their sporting and academic potential within Herefordshire.”
For more information on the University of Worcester’s Cricket Coaching and Management with Integrated Masters course, visit the University’s website.
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk