Reflections from our Chair

Summer is always a special time for our charity. Cricket brings our community together in so many different ways – on pitches, at fundraising events and through our programmes. Across the country, the enthusiasm and commitment that exists throughout the Taverners family inspires and delivers, and I want to begin by saying a heartfelt thank you to all of our members, volunteers, supporters and partners. 

One of the most significant events of the summer was the recent Festival of Disability Cricket at Lord’s. Bringing together the MCC, ECB and Lord’s Taverners, the day was a wonderful celebration of what inclusive cricket can achieve. Seeing young people with disabilities take to the field at the Home of Cricket, compete, make friends and enjoy being part of a team was a powerful reminder of why our work matters. If you were not able to be there on the day or were there but simply want to remind yourself of this special occasion, please watch Ella’s Story. A beautifully shot and incredibly inspiring account of what the day means to one young Super 1s participant.  

For many participants, opportunities like this can be transformative. They can build confidence, develop independence and create memories that stay with them long after the final ball has been bowled. Such an impact is made possible through the individual and collective commitment of members, supporters and partners. 

From our SEND school activity and Super 1s to Wicketz and our growing work to make cricket more accessible and inclusive, thousands of young people are being given opportunities to play, develop and thrive. Our National Table Cricket Finals and inaugural National Softball Cricket Finals were fantastic examples of this, bringing SEND schools from across the country together in a celebration of competition, teamwork and achievement. 

Alongside this programme activity, our fundraising community has been giving its all. From the Edinburgh Marathon Festival and P&M Group Golf Day to the Equitix Cricket Day, Statom Ball, Cholmondeley Castle Cricket Day, Sticky Wicket, Matchroom Sixes and the Mike Gatting Golf Day, members, committees, supporters and friends have continued to find numerous ways to raise vital funds. 

But these events do so much more than generate income. They bring people together, introduce new supporters to the Taverners and help us tell the story of the young people at the heart of everything we do, raising awareness and changing attitudes. 

As Chair, I feel incredibly proud of the Lord’s Taverners community. When I wrote my reflections last summer, I spoke about the remarkable diversity of people who make up the Lord’s Taverners. A year on, that remains one of the things I treasure most. Members, volunteers, staff, young people, partners and supporters may all have different roles, but together we create something much greater than the sum of our parts. 

Looking ahead, our ambition remains clear. We want to deepen the impact of our existing programmes, reach more young people facing inequality and continue our work to make cricket the most inclusive team sport in the UK. We also want to ensure that young people's voices remain central to the decisions we make, with our new Youth Ambassador cohort now beginning its two-year term. 

There are many ways for our members to help us achieve these ambitions in the months ahead. Come along to a fundraising event, support one of our regional committees, volunteer your time, introduce someone new to the Taverners, take part in a challenge event or simply continue to champion our work among your friends and networks. 

Every contribution makes a difference. 

Thank you for everything you have done this summer – and for everything you continue to do. I am immensely proud to serve as Chair of the Lord’s Taverners, and even prouder to be part of a community that continues to give so many young people the opportunity to play, belong and thrive through cricket. 

Lucy Pearson 
Chair, Lord’s Taverners