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Hampshire Cricket Board Celebrates ‘Urban’ Cricket Programmes at Hawks Fest
Hampshire Cricket Board Celebrates ‘Urban’ Cricket Programmes at Hawks Fest
120 young people aged 7-19 attend Hawks Fest
Two weeks ago, the Hampshire Cricket Board held its annual community cricket festival, 'Hawks Fest,' a celebration of the county's thriving 'Urban' cricket programmes. The event, which took place in Southampton, brought together 120 young people aged 7-19 from across Southampton, Portsmouth, and Basingstoke.
These young participants are involved in various urban cricket initiatives, including the Lord’s Taverners’ 'Wicketz,' Chance to Shine's 'Street,' and the MCC Foundation hub programmes. These initiatives aim to make cricket more accessible in urban areas, fostering both talent and community spirit.
The festival featured four levels of cricket competition, catering to both hard-ball and soft-ball players, allowing participants of all experience levels to showcase their skills. In addition to the cricket, the event offered other activities. The EFL League One Trophy was on display, and football games were organised by 'Pompey In The Community,' adding an exciting crossover of sports to the day’s festivities. Local members of the Southampton community contributed to the event by providing a selection of food and drink, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrated both sport and community.
“Hawks Fest has become a real flagship event in our programme calendar. This year, we were able to expand the event to four levels of competition, add valuable activations through programme partners and provide amazing food for young people and families who attended. It really was a special celebration of youth cricket in communities across the county and a showcase of our progress in recent years”.
Sam Moss, Urban Cricket Development Manager
Hawks Fest has grown steadily each year and is now a cornerstone event for the Hampshire Cricket Board. It highlights the positive impact that urban cricket programmes are having across the county, bringing together diverse communities and showcasing the sport’s potential to inspire and unite.
Organisers and participants alike praised the event, emphasising its role in strengthening community ties and offering young people valuable opportunities to engage with cricket. As Hawks Fest continues to expand, it stands as a testament to the success of urban cricket initiatives in Hampshire.
