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Urban Fixtures Programme Launched Across Hampshire
Urban Fixtures Programme Launched Across Hampshire
More than 300 state-educated players set to benefit from an expanded summer schedule connecting Hampshire’s urban cricket pathway.
Hampshire Cricket Board’s ‘urban’ summer season fixtures have begun. Funded by the Hampshire Cricket Foundation and the MCC Foundation, this year’s programme is set to provide match play opportunities to over 300 state-educated players across three priority areas in Southampton, Portsmouth and Basingstoke. King Edward’s VI school’s Wellington Sports Ground will play host to the 2026 programme, ensuring their facilities remain accessible for the wider Hampshire community.
The fixtures will include the year-round Chance to Shine ‘Street’ and Lord’s Taverners’ ‘Wicketz’, MCC Foundation Hubs, the ‘Hawks Academy’ and teams from the County Age-Group ‘State-Jets’.
The initiative, that brings together the whole of the urban playing pathway, launched with a pilot season two years ago and progressed to 18 fixtures across girls and boys squads in 2025. This summer there are over 25 mid-week games planned, alongside national competitions, providing important supplementary cricket for state-educated cricketers.
"The Urban Fixtures Programme brings young people from across our urban areas together through regular, high‑quality cricket. It’s about widening access, building confidence and giving talented state‑educated players the platform to play and progress within the game. We are grateful to King Edward's School and our funding partners for their ongoing support so we can continue widening access to cricket in Hampshire."
Sam Moss, Urban Cricket Development Manager
The urban programmes seek to provide accessible, inclusive and consistent cricket opportunities to underrepresented communities across Hampshire. The fixtures have become a valuable way of connecting the programmes and young people from the three priority areas.
