Wiltshire Cricket Early Engagement Phase - Boys and Girls (U10-U12) - Registrations for Trials now open!
Wiltshire Cricket is pleased to confirm that information has been sent to cricket clubs regarding GIRLS AND BOYS EARLY ENGAGEMENT PHASE (Under 10 - Under 12) trials. These trials will be for selection on to 2026-2027 programmes.
ABOUT THE EARLY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME
The introduction of the Early Engagement Programme (EEP) was one of the commitments that was made in response to the ICEC report to increase the diversity of the talent pathway, creating fairer access and opportunities for more children.
The key aims of the EEP are to:
- Broaden the talent base and increase the connection between the recreational game and the talent pathway.
- Increase diversity within our talent pathways.
- Build foundational competencies to enable players to perform to their maximum capability over time.
- Inspire players to have a lifelong engagement in cricket.
Target Age Range:
The EEP is positioned at Under 10-12, before the introduction of County Age Group (CAG) Cricket for boys and girls at Under 13.
REGISTERING FOR TRIALS
IMPORTANT: CLUBS ARE ASKED NOT TO COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION FORM ON BEHALF OF THE PLAYER, THIS SHOULD BE DONE BY THE PARENT DIRECTLY. Clubs should ensure that they read the nomination and trials letter that has been emailed to them on 17th July 2026, and then forward this onto the parents / guardians of their nominated players. Parents and guardians will then be responsible for registering their son / daughter for a trial.
THE EARLY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME STRUCTURE IN WILTSHIRE:
- Observations: Wiltshire Cricket will run a two stage observation process for players who register for Early Engagement Programme trials. These will include:
- Observation 1 – Outdoor Soft Ball Festival based trial in late August / early September
- Observation 2 – Indoor Skills based trial in late September / early October
- Winter Programme: Following the observation sessions, players will be selected and invited to the following number of EEP programmes that will run across the county from January to March. The numbers invited reflect the programme ambitions of reaching 10% of the playing population in the county:
|
Under 10 Boys |
3 programmes 24 hour her programme |
14 players per programme (42 spaces total) |
|
Under 11 Boys |
3 programmes 24 hour her programme |
14 players per programme (42 spaces total) |
|
Under 12 Boys |
3 programmes 24 hour her programme |
14 players per programme (42 spaces total) |
|
Under 12 Girls |
3 programmes 24 hour her programme |
14 players per programme (42 spaces total) |
- Summer Match Play: The summer match play programme will be designed to be both innovative and engaging for all players whilst maintaining the focus on equal opportunity for all who are involved in the programme. For more information on what the girls and boys summer EEPs will look like, please see the accompanying documents below:
TRIAL TIMEFRAMES
- Registration – Parents need to register by Sunday 9th August 2026.
- Trial Notification – The exact details of trials (date/time/venue) will be shared to trial registrants by Wiltshire Cricket during w/c 10th August 2026
- Outdoor Trials – We are looking to operate our Early Engagement Programme trials as follows:
- Observation 1 – Outdoor Soft Ball Festival based trial in late August / early September
- Observation 2 – Indoor Skills based trial in late September / early October
- Trial Outcomes – The outcome of trials will be communicated to parents by Friday 23rd October 2026.
If you would like more information about our Early Engagement Programme Trials, or if your child is not associated with a Cricket Club but would like to find out more about registering for an Early Engagement Programme trial, please contact one of:
Ali Goddard
Cricket Development Manager (Schools, Junior Cricket, Coach Development)
- [email protected]
- 07786 361222
