MCC Foundation Hosts National Hub Competition Finals at Lord’s

Marylebone Cricket Club Foundation (MCCF) hosted the boys’ and girls’ finals of its annual National Hub Competition at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Saturday 20 July.

The event marked the conclusion of a 20-week-long competition in which state-educated boys and girls aged 16 and under from 126 sites across the country have been able to compete against one another for a chance to play at Lord’s.

In the Boys’ event, Bradford came out on top against the Wembley Hub by seven wickets. Ayan Zafar won Player of the Match for his spectacular 55 not out. In the Girls’ Final, Guildford beat Bradford by four wickets. Player of the Match was won by Sienna Austin for her impressive bowling spell of 4 for 8.

Both finals took place in succession on the Main Ground in front of a packed-out Pavilion and Tavern Stand. More than 1,000 spectators were in attendance, with thousands more supporters engaging with the day via MCCF’s YouTube livestream and social media channels.

All four teams were provided with lunch in the Players’ Dining Room and were based in the Pavilion Dressing Rooms, allowing them to get the full playing experience.

The National Hub Programme forms the cornerstone of MCC Foundation’s work in the UK, ensuring that every young cricketer can be empowered to reach their full potential in the game, regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic circumstance.

The Hubs also look to nurture young talent, creating opportunities for promising young cricketers to hone their skills and improve their confidence under the mentorship of the MCC Foundation’s network of coaches.

MCC Chief Executive & Secretary Guy Lavender,  England Captain Heather Knight, and Essex and London Spirit’s Adam Rossington presented medals.

"The game has so much to offer, and we will endeavour to ensure that any young person, whatever their background or gender, can access and thrive in the game."

Speaking about the event, MCC President Mark Nicholas said: “This is what MCC Foundation is all about - the game, its players, the ebb and flow, the high and low, the laughter, the love. One minute you stand out there doing nothing, the next you hit the shot, bowl the ball, take the catch that wins the game. Then you’re the hero!”

Director of MCC Foundation Dr Sarah Fane OBE said: “We are incredibly grateful to MCC for providing this unique opportunity for our beneficiaries. It cannot fail to inspire them and will likely stay in their memories forever. MCC Foundation is determined to grow our National Hub programme significantly so that thousands more children can benefit from free access to cricket, and it really can be a game for all. 

"The game has so much to offer, and we will endeavour to ensure that any young person, whatever their background or gender, can access and thrive in the game.”

This year’s competition has been made possible thanks to the generosity of the Menton Family. Hub Finals Day was supported by SIXES Social Cricket.

MCC Foundation