New softball cricket competition for SEND and ALN schools
We are proud to announce that we are introducing an inaugural national softball cricket competition for SEND and ALN schools across England and Wales, starting this May, as the charity continues to expand opportunities for young people with disabilities to play, compete, and develop through cricket.
Designed as an accessible and competitive alternative to table cricket, the new softball format will provide pupils in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and additional learning needs (ALN) settings with a dynamic new way to engage with the game. The competition will also serve as a pathway into the Super 1s programme, while giving participants the experience of a large-scale, inclusive sporting event in a safe and supportive environment.
The eight-a-side competition will follow a structure similar to the charity’s established National Table Cricket Competition. County cricket boards and foundations will deliver county competitions, leading into 10 regional finals across England and Wales. Winners from each region will progress to the Softball National Finals Day, which in 2026 will take place on Thursday 2 July at the Uptonsteel County Ground, home of Leicestershire CCC.
The launch builds on the continued growth of our disability cricket programmes. Last year alone, more than 28,500 pupils across over 950 SEND and ALN settings accessed free cricket opportunities through the charity.
Delivered in partnership with the ECB, and aligned with its ambition to make cricket the UK’s most inclusive team sport, the charity aims to reach all 1,500 SEND and ALN education settings identified in the State School Action Plan through cricket by 2028.
Lord’s Taverners Head of Cricket Programmes, Rob Tipping, said: “We are incredibly excited to launch this new national softball competition, which represents another important step in ensuring that young people with disabilities have meaningful opportunities to enjoy and thrive through cricket. By creating another accessible competitive offer alongside our existing table cricket competition, we’re creating even more chances for participants to build confidence, develop new skills, and experience the joy of being part of a team.”
ECB’s Head of Youth Engagement, Edgar Herridge added: “This competition is a fantastic addition to the disability cricket offer in schools and reflects our shared commitment with Lord’s Taverners to make cricket a game for everyone. By expanding opportunities within SEND and ALN schools, we are helping to break down barriers and ensuring more young people can experience the many benefits of the sport, both on and off the field.”
Find out more about our disability cricket programmes and how to get involved
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