Eastbourne & Brighton MCC Foundation Hubs Return

The hugely popular MCC Foundation (MCCF) Hubs in Eastbourne and Brighton are set to return in January 2026, offering another exciting year of high-quality cricket coaching for talented young players from state schools across Sussex.

Run in partnership with Sussex Cricket and delivered by professional coaches, these hubs have become a cornerstone of player development in the county, providing a clear pathway for youngsters who might otherwise miss out on advanced coaching opportunities.

What are the MCC Foundation Hubs?

The MCC Foundation is the charitable arm of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), owners of Lord’s Cricket Ground. Its hub programme operates across the UK with a simple but vital mission: to ensure that talented young cricketers from state schools have access to the same level of coaching and opportunity as their independently-educated peers. In Sussex, the two established hubs – based in Eastbourne and Brighton – are among the longest-running and most successful in the country. They focus on identifying and nurturing talent at a crucial stage of development, while also promoting enjoyment, teamwork and life skills through cricket.

Who can take part?

The hubs are open exclusively to state-school educated players in the following age groups:

• Girls: aged 11–17 (as of 31 August 2025)
• Boys: aged 11–15 (as of 31 August 2025)
• Players must not be on the County Pathway

Both hubs run separate girls-only and boys-only sessions, creating a supportive environment where players can develop their skills alongside peers of the same gender and similar ability.

When & where do the sessions take place?

• Eastbourne Hub – Eastbourne College, BN21 4JY
• Brighton Hub – Brighton Aldridge Community Academy, Sir Rod Aldridge Cricket Academy, BN1 9PW

Sessions typically run weekly during the indoor winter period (January–March) before moving outdoors in the summer. Each session lasts approximately two hours and includes technical skill work, match scenarios, strength & conditioning guidance, and tactical understanding.

Trials for the 2026 programme

Trials for the new season will take place later in December 2025, with exact dates and venues available below. These trials are open to all eligible state-school players in the specified age groups – no prior hub experience is required. The trials are designed to be welcoming rather than intimidating. Players will be assessed on current ability, potential, attitude and coach-ability. Successful applicants will be invited to join their local hub from January 2026 onwards.

Why should talented youngsters apply?

• Weekly coaching from experienced ECB-qualified coaches
• Regular matches and festivals against other MCCF hubs
• Some equipment and kit provided free of charge
• A proven track record – numerous hub graduates have gone on to represent the Sussex County age-group pathway & beyond

How to register interest or apply

Full details about trial dates, venues and the application process are available below via the PDF document. Players, parents or teachers can find out more information by visiting the official MCC Foundation hub page. 

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity – the MCCF hubs in Eastbourne and Brighton continue to change lives through cricket, and places for 2026 are filling quickly.