Cricket pathway for non-rich kids!

[cricketmama]

My ds was put forward (& accepted) for county pathway last year & it's been a real eye-opener from a financial POV & wondered if any other parents have experience of this, whether this is a nationwide issue or just local to us.

He only started playing 2 years ago at 13 but is obviously very good as they are already talking about county selection which is fantastic and he's dead pleased about. What I'm struggling with is the overall cost of this 'elite' training, more kit etc suggestion/expectation that if he wants to progress he needs to have 1:2:1 sessions and up his hours per week - well that's great in the summer but net hire in winter is astronomical and one-to-one sessions are even more! lHe had 2 sessions as a Christmas present and it does make a difference so I don't disagree but it is totally unrealistic for normal families.

He's one of very few state school kids with the majority being 'cricket scholars' and going to known cricket schools so getting those extra hours of amazing coaching & practise per week.

Obviously I'm proud that DS has got this stage without any of that so just natural talent and bloody hard work, but I am sad & a bit angry that he may well not 'make it' because we can't offer the same opportunities & more isn't being done to address the financial imbalance as whilst in the minority, there will be plenty of other children in his position.

It doesn't bode well with vast majority of county/country players also coming from similar privileged backgrounds so I wondered if anyone else has experienced this with district/county cricket pathway and what if anything can be done? Would welcome views from parents of cricket scholars as I may be making big assumptions based on idle chat or feedback from DS.

[User135792468]

I know you are waiting for responses but would you mind sharing the kind of costs involved? My ds loves cricket at school (only primary) and we’ve been told he has potential. I have no concept of costs for cricket though. Thanks

[cricketmama]

The starting point is club cricket and that varies enormously - local village not so much £50/60 per season in my area but they won't offer opportunities to progress so you need to look at one of the larger clubs that play higher division and subs tend to be more like £100-120pa. There's match fees on top £3-5 a match and then indoor training £40/50 per term. Kit you can get 2nd hand but new is about £150 plus bat. Lots of clubs have hardship funds if you ask but they are generally only for the very hard up. Majority of juniors go down and stay at this level very happily.

Next stage is the county/ district & this is where it ramps up - £120 per term for training, more matches so more match fees, new essential kit (£140) & holiday training £50-60 per day (optional but not really) and 1:2:1 at £40-60ph (again optional but question marks over commitment/ability to progress if not taken). We don't even get involved in tour discussions - South Africa for £4.5k anyone?!

Despite all the above, my son absolutely loves it and whether he goes all the way or not, he's developed a passion for the game, focus, will power, dedication, great sportsmanship and many other amazing qualities worth every penny. If you have the means for some school fees then seriously consider putting him forward for scholarships and/or bursaries.

Hope that helps