Slough is set to celebrate a major investment in community sport with the launch of newly refurbished astro pitches at Lascelles Park, marked by a vibrant Community Tapeball Cricket Challenge, delivered in partnership with Berkshire Cricket, the fast-paced, festival-style tapeball competition will see teams go head-to-head for a first prize of £750, adding extra excitement to a day focused on fun, community, and inclusive cricket.
Taking place on Monday 25 May 2026 at Lascelles Park, Slough, the free event is open to all members of the cricket community and aims to bring people together through cricket, activity, and celebration.
The event will officially announce the public availability of the new astro pitches and showcase the recent refurbishments completed by Slough Borough Council. Designed as a festival-style cricket experience, local teams from across Slough will be invited to sign up and take part in tapeball cricket matches played across the two new astro surfaces.
Off the pitch, Berkshire Cricket coaches will run interactive skills stations, giving spectators and participants of all ages the chance to get involved, try cricket activities, and learn more about opportunities to play locally. Berkshire Cricket staff will also be on site to promote community cricket hubs and pathways across Slough.
Berkshire Cricket will oversee and deliver all cricket activity on the day, providing equipment, ECB-qualified and DBS-checked coaches, public liability insurance, and comprehensive risk assessments to ensure a safe and inclusive event for everyone.
The organisers are working closely with Slough Borough Council and local partners to ensure a welcoming community atmosphere, including access to park facilities, first aid support, food and drink vendors, and promotional activity across council and community channels.
The Community Tapeball Challenge represents a shared commitment to growing grassroots sport, improving access to quality facilities, and creating inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with cricket.
What is tapeball Cricket? – “Tapeball cricket is a fast-paced, informal version of cricket that uses a soft tennis ball wrapped in tape, making it safe and accessible for players of all ages and abilities. Usually played in small spaces with simple equipment, it’s hugely popular in urban communities and focuses on fun, creativity, and quick games rather than formal rules—perfect for bringing people together and getting more people playing cricket.”
What format is The Competition? – “Tapeball games are played 6-a-side with short, fast innings of up to 20 balls, using a taped tennis ball and plastic, wooden, or fibre bats. All players must bat, bowl, and keep wicket during the game. Overs are 4 balls, bowled from one end, with batters switching ends each over.
Runs are scored by in the normal manner,(1, 4, or 6 depending on how the ball travels) or by physically running between the wickets (2 runs). Once a 4 or 6 is scored, the ball is dead. Most standard cricket dismissals apply (except LBW).
Bowling includes wides and no-balls for leg-side deliveries, multiple bounces, high full tosses, or illegal actions, with free hits awarded where applicable. The format is designed to be fast, fun, and inclusive, encouraging fair play and respect throughout.”
Who can enter and what’s the standard? – The event is open age, FREE TO ENTER event open to any teams of 6 which must be registered in advance however T&C’s Apply. There is a limit of 12 teams in the competition so to make sure you don’t miss out REGISTER NOW. The standard will be high with Slough Street Young Adults project National Champions Team leading the entry list.
What’s the Prize? – The winning team will receive, the Impressive Tapeball Challenge Trophy, Medals and the first prize of £750
