Cricket has been played in Basingstoke since 1817, and the current Basingstoke and North Hants CC was founded in 1865, playing at Mays Bounty (or the Folly) in Basingstoke town centre ever since. Junior cricket started in 1966, and over the years has supplied numerous players to the Hampshire CCC teams and to Berkshire in the Minor Counties. We are proud of the fact that many of the junior players are still playing cricket at Basingstoke, and appear in many of the senior League sides.

The Club fields five senior Saturday sides, through the Home Counties Premier League, the Thames Valley League and the Hampshire League, and two Sunday sides in the Two Counties League. To support t his, there are junior cricket league sides for Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 and teams entered into the Hampshire and ECB National Under-13 and Under-15 cups.

At Basingstoke and North Hants Cricket Club, we provide coaching and competitive cricket to Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 age groups, playing in local cup and league competitions.
Coaching and practice for Under-9 and Under-15 age groups takes place on Wednesday evenings, 6:00 to 7:30pm for U9’s and 6:30 to 8:00 for U15’s. Coaching for Under-11 and Under-13 age groups take place on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00pm. 2007 home matches are generally Thursday (U13’s), Friday (U11’s & U15’s) and Sunday mornings (U9’s, U11’s, U13’s). All of these activities take place under the guidance of qualified ECB coaches who will develop technical skills, fitness and team ethics.

During 2006 we achieved Clubmark status which confirms our commitment to delivering a safe and effective coaching programme for young people in the Basingstoke area.

The Club recognises the need to develop all players within their ability and capability, and to enhance personal and team-oriented attributes to their full potential. Cricket coaching is available to all ages between 7 and 16, and stringent efforts are made through competitive and friendly matches to ensure that every player has the opportunity to take part. The Club takes a full and active part in developing players through club, district and county levels to provide a complete development environment,

Through taking part in a team sport, young people are encouraged to help each other and to recognise and account for the different abilities of each individual. Team sports help to develop friendships and social skills, while enhancing self esteem and health.

In trying to provide a safe and welcoming environment for both coaching and playing cricket, parents are recognised as playing a key role. You are welcome to stay and watch during practice evenings and matches, or to use the facilities of the clubhouse but you should not be surprised if you are asked to give a hand. Coaches are always available after practice to discuss any element of your child’s welfare or development in confidence, and open evenings allow for free and frank discussion of all aspects of the junior organisation. We value the support of all parents during coaching sessions, and will assist in the development and training of any parent who wishes to take an active role in the junior activities.

Further information about our thriving junior cricket section can be found by downloading our information sheet in pdf format or by visiting our junior league site at http://bnhcc.play-cricket.com/home/home.asp