The Macquarie National Table Cricket Competition, run by The Lord's Taverners and supported by the
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), provides the opportunity to play in a national competition. Currently, over 600
youngsters take part in regional heats held at sports venues around the UK, including the Oval, Edgbaston and Headingley,
with the winning teams competing in the finals at the home of cricket, Lord's Cricket Ground.
The early beginnings...
The ECB and Youth Sport Trust launched the competitive version of the sport via their World Cup
Table Cricket competition in 1999. An approach was then made to The Lord's Taverners to fund the
competition and The Lord's Taverners have since taken responsibility for delivering the competition as part of the ECB's
disability programme. From the start 40 teams participated in regional heats
and these were held at eight venues around the country. This pattern has been repeated each year,
culminating in an exciting day of competition for the regional finalists at Lord's Cricket Ground.
The growing trend...
The National Finals have grown in status and receive support from a host of celebrities and eminent
people in the field of cricket and show business. In 2010 another milestone was reached in the history
of the game when, to commemorate The Lord's Taverners Diamond Jubilee, Table Cricket National
Finals made their debut on the 'hallowed Lord's turf' when the final match took place for the very first time on the main
square at Lord's Cricket Ground.
The future...
The game has significant growth potential and with a focussed approach and a structured development
programme, the player pathway will build and provide many more competitive opportunities for young
people at a local and regional level around the country. This programme will enable disabled youngsters to enjoy the challenge
of competitive sport through to a prestigious National Final.
To get involved...
For further information on the National Table Cricket Competition please contact
the National Development Officer.
|
