Smile Group Travel partners with Lord's Taverners to support inclusive cricket

Since playing its inaugural fixture in 1952, the Lord's Taverners XI has raised millions of pounds to help fund the charity's life-changing programmes, bringing together former international cricketers, celebrities and supporters to play at some of the country's most iconic venues.

Smile Group Travel's logo has proudly featured on the front of the Lord's Taverners XI playing shirts since the team's opening fixture of the 2026 season at Cholmondeley Castle in June. The side will continue its summer schedule with matches at renowned grounds including Arundel Castle and Wormsley Cricket Ground, before the charity's historic first-ever women's XI takes to the field against MCC at Highgate CC in September.

The partnership reflects Smile Group Travel's commitment to supporting opportunities for young people and helping Lord's Taverners continue to deliver safe, inclusive and accessible cricket programmes for those with disabilities and from disadvantaged communities.

Graeme Walker of Smile Group Travel said: "Smile Group Travel is delighted to be partnering with Lord's Taverners and sponsoring the Lord's Taverners XI this summer. We have worked with the charity for many years, and we're proud to further strengthen our relationship through this partnership.

"The work Lord's Taverners does to support young people with disabilities and those facing socio-economic disadvantage is truly inspiring. Cricket has the power to change lives, and we're proud to play our part in supporting such an important cause. We're especially excited to be the playing shirt sponsor for the charity's first-ever women's XI fixture later this year."

Mark Curtin, CEO of Lord's Taverners, added: "We're incredibly grateful to Smile Group Travel for their support of the charity. Their backing of the Lord's Taverners XI will help us continue raising vital funds for our inclusive cricket programmes, enabling more young people to access the life-changing opportunities our programmes provide.

"It's fantastic to have Smile Group Travel alongside us for what has been a memorable season so far, with the landmark occasion of our first-ever women's XI match still to come."

Smile Group Travel is a specialist group travel company providing high-quality travel experiences to UK, European and long-haul destinations. With more than 50 years' combined experience across the travel industry, the company has particular expertise in group travel, destination management and corporate travel.

Lord's Taverners exists to positively impact the lives of young people facing the challenges of inequality. Through free and inclusive cricket programmes delivered across the UK, the charity empowers young people with a disability and those facing socio-economic disadvantage to develop the confidence, skills and resilience they need to overcome barriers, raise aspirations and unlock their potential.