Berkshire Cricket Talent Pathway Support Fund

Overview
Berkshire Cricket recognises that participating in the Talent Pathway programme can incur significant financial costs. The Talent Pathway Support Fund is intended to alleviate some of the financial burden on players and their families, enabling wider access to the programme. This fund is available to those families where finance is barrier to participation in order to help cover costs from winter coaching to summer matches, acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions families make to support their children’s development in cricket.

Eligibility
The Support Fund is open to young cricketers (boys and girls) selected for a Berkshire Cricket Talent Pathway programme, from Under 10s through to Under 18s, across both Development and County level programmes, where otherwise finance would be a barrier to participation.

What We Fund
The Berkshire Cricket Talent Pathway Support Fund may assist with the following expenses:

• Winter (Post Christmas) Coaching Programme registration fees (U10-12)
• Autumn and Winter Coaching Programme registration fees (U13+)
• Match fees for summer fixtures
• Talent Pathway clothing costs

Criteria for Applying
To be eligible for the Support Fund, applicants must have been selected for a winter coaching programme or a summer pathway squad. Applicants will be asked to provide information about their financial situation, which will be handled with strict confidentiality.

Applicants should provide evidence of one or more of the following circumstances:

• The child is eligible for Pupil Premium and/or free school meals
• The family is in receipt of government benefits, including Universal Credit
• The child is a university student who qualifies for the maximum maintenance loan or grant support
• The child is estranged from their parents
• The child is in local authority care
• The child is an unpaid carer for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, or mental health issues, relies on the child’s support. (To be supported by local council assessment)

Please note that funds are limited, and grants are discretionary. Each application is considered individually, with priority given to those likely to benefit the most. Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and decisions will not set a precedent for future applications. In all instances, applicants will be asked to provide evidence in support of their application. If your circumstances are not listed above and you would like to talk to someone for support, please email Lee on the address at the bottom of this page.

When to Apply
Applications can be submitted at any time of the year, but there are two primary application windows:

• Autumn, after selection notifications, to assist with Winter Coaching Programme fees
• Spring, to support summer match fees and clothing costs

Funds are awarded for the current year only, and applicants are welcome to reapply in subsequent years.

Key Principles
Berkshire Cricket is committed to the following principles in administering the Talent Pathway Support Fund:

1. Collaboration: We will work with relevant partners, including charities, schools, and local authorities, to promote access to cricket.
2. Data-Informed: Applicant data will be retained and analysed (in compliance with data protection regulations) to improve the fund’s effectiveness.
3. Continuous Improvement: An annual report will be prepared to review and enhance the fund’s impact, with updates provided to the Berkshire Cricket Board.
4. Open-minded Approach: We will remain receptive to identifying and addressing barriers to accessing and excelling in cricket.
5. Feedback-Driven: We will seek feedback from recipients to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the support provided.
6. Assessment After Two Years: The programme’s effectiveness will be reviewed after an initial two-year period to ensure a balanced approach to funding.
7. Accessibility: The application process will be as accessible as possible, with alternatives available for those with limited access to IT or language barriers.

How to Apply
To apply for the Talent Pathway Support Fund, please contact Lee Collett ([email protected]), for more information. Details of the fund will also be shared with all players selected for the programme at the point of selection notification.

All applications will receive a formal response in writing, communicating the outcome.

If Successful
Successful applicants will receive a discount code to help cover the approved costs.

If Unsuccessful
If an application is not approved, we will aim to direct applicants to other potential support sources. In some cases, Berkshire Cricket may allow staggered payments for the programme to ease financial pressure.