MCC Foundation Hubs Return for 2027

MCC Foundation Hubs Return for 2027

The hugely popular MCC Foundation (MCCF) Hubs in Eastbourne and Brighton are set to return for another year, offering talented young cricketers from state schools across Sussex access to high-quality coaching and development opportunities.

Delivered by experienced coaches in partnership with Sussex Cricket, the hubs provide a clear pathway for boys and girls who may otherwise not have access to advanced cricket programmes, helping them develop both on and off the field.

What are the MCC Foundation Hubs?

The MCC Foundation is the charitable arm of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), owners of Lord's Cricket Ground. Through its nationwide hub network, the MCC Foundation aims to level the playing field for talented young cricketers educated at state schools by providing access to coaching, competition and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

In Sussex, the Eastbourne and Brighton hubs are among the longest-established programmes in the country, supporting hundreds of young players over the years while promoting enjoyment, confidence and personal development through cricket.

Who can take part?

The hubs are open exclusively to players attending non-fee-paying schools within the following age groups:

• Boys aged 11-15
• Girls aged 11-17

The MCC Foundation has also updated its eligibility criteria regarding county pathway involvement:

• County Age Group (CAG) players within professional counties, including Sussex, remain ineligible.
• County Age Group players in National Counties are now eligible.
• Participation in regional, district or development/B-team programmes does not disqualify a player, even where those programmes are delivered by county pathway staff.
• Following the introduction of the ECB Early Engagement Programme, there is no County Age Group cricket below Under-13 level, meaning involvement in younger age-group programmes does not affect eligibility.

Players or parents who are unsure whether they meet the criteria are encouraged to contact their local hub for guidance.

Eastbourne Hub

Based at Eastbourne College, Old Wish Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4JX. Players must attend a trial to be considered for the programme.

Trial dates:

• Boys: Friday 4 December 2026
• Girls: Sunday 6 December 2026

Registration closes on 27 November 2026. Interested players can register using the registration form.

For further information, contact Lee Gash, MCC Foundation Eastbourne Hub Manager, at ljgash@eastbourne-college.co.uk.

Brighton Hub

Based at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) and the Sir Rod Aldridge Cricket Academy, the Brighton Hub continues to provide opportunities for talented state-school cricketers from across Sussex.

The hub is open to:

• Boys aged 11-15
• Girls aged 11-17

Players interested in joining the Brighton Hub can register using the registration form or by scanning the QR code on the accompanying flyer below.

For any questions regarding the Brighton Hub, please contact Fin Durrant at findley.durrant@virginmedia.com.

Why apply?

The MCC Foundation Hubs provide young cricketers with:

• High-quality coaching from experienced coaches
• Opportunities to play against other MCC Foundation hubs
• A supportive and inclusive environment focused on development
• Access to a nationally recognised cricket programme
• A proven pathway that has helped players progress into higher levels of the game

With places limited at both hubs, talented young cricketers are encouraged to register their interest as soon as possible and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to develop their game.

Registration information for both hubs is available now. Players must meet the eligibility criteria and attend their designated trial session to be considered for selection.