Berkshire Cricket is excited to announce that our Boys Autumn Development Programme is back — and this year, it’s bigger and better than ever.
Following feedback from families across the county, we’ve expanded the programme to make it more accessible for boys throughout Berkshire. This autumn, we’ll be running Development Hubs in Slough, as well as the West and Central areas of the county.
Designed for boys in Year 4 to Year 7, the Autumn Development Programme gives young cricketers the chance to work with our experienced pathway coaches over a 10-week period, helping them build confidence, improve their skills, and develop their game in a fun, challenging, and supportive environment.
Importantly, while our post-Christmas programmes are invitation only, the Autumn Development Programme is open to all — making it a fantastic opportunity for boys to experience the Berkshire Cricket pathway and benefit from high-quality coaching.
Our hubs will be based at:
Places are expected to fill quickly and will be offered on a first come, first served basisonce registration opens.
To give your child the best chance of securing a place, we strongly encourage you to register your interest now using the form below. By doing so, you’ll be among the first to hear when bookings go live.
Berkshire Cricket 2026/27, Boys Autumn Development Programme – Expression of Interest – Fill in form
FAQ:
Does my son need cricket experience for this?
Not necessarily. While many boys who attend will already have some experience of playing cricket, the programme is designed to support a range of ability levels. If you feel your child would benefit from the course, we would be pleased to receive your registration. If you have any questions, please contact Hammad Ali (hammad.ali@berkshirecricket.org).
Does he need to be nominated by his club?
No. If you feel your child would benefit from 10 weeks of coaching with our pathway and performance team, you are very welcome to register. We have also updated the process, so boys no longer need to be members of a cricket club or nominated by a club coach in order to take part.
Will he need hardball kit?
We encourage boys to bring hardball kit if they have it, but it is not essential. Much of the programme focuses on the technical fundamentals of the game and will therefore use softer balls. There may be some occasions when players bat and bowl against one another, but we will ensure that every child is able to take part fully and gain the same value from the course, regardless of whether they own hardball kit.
What happens after the programme?
One of the outcomes of the programme is to help our coaching team identify boys who may be ready for our invitation-only performance programme, which begins after Christmas. This includes a winter indoor programme and a summer match-play programme, both delivered by our county pathway coaching team.
Every player will receive individual feedback at the end of the programme, regardless of whether they are invited to continue. This feedback will outline how they are currently progressing in relation to the pathway and highlight key areas for future development.