Junior cricket in Oxfordshire has experienced a remarkable surge in participation in 2024, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for the sport among young players across the region. With a diverse range of competitions catering to age groups from nine to nineteen, this year’s programs have seen significant increases in engagement, demonstrating the county’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of cricket talent. To view the full 2024 report CLICK HERE

Record Numbers Across the Board

Please note, the data on junior participation excludes All Stars Cricket and Dynamos Cricket.

The numbers tell a compelling story of success:

• Total Participants: 4,373 players engaged in junior competitions, a 14.27% increase from 2023.
• Teams Entered: 320+ teams took part, underscoring the breadth of opportunities for young cricketers.
• Matches Played: 709 matches were completed, representing a 10% rise in completed games compared to the previous year.
• Scorecard Activity: A 55% increase in Play-Cricket scorecards highlights a robust commitment to record-keeping and performance tracking.

Age Group Highlights

A particularly notable success was the growth in the Under-15 category, which added 108 players to reach a total of 789. This achievement is especially significant given that the Under-15 age group is often where participation drops nationally across all sports in England, making this increase a promising sign for sustained engagement.

Participation increases were evident across most age groups:

• The Under-9 category welcomed 789 players, 80 more than in 2023.
• Under-13 participation saw a 97-player increase, reaching 1,131 participants.
• Under-15 players grew by 108, totaling 789.

This growth was supported by contributions from local clubs and authorities, with South Oxfordshire and West Oxfordshire leading the way in participant numbers, showing respective increases of 300 and 229 juniors.

Girls’ Cricket Also Thriving

Girls’ cricket made notable strides in 2024:

• Total participation among girls increased by 34 players, with a 4.61% year-over-year growth.
• The Under-11 girls’ category saw the most significant improvement, growing by 14 players to reach 227.

Although there were some decreases in older age groups, these were outweighed by the overall rise in younger participants, indicating a strong foundation for future growth.

Improved Match Completion Rates

An emphasis on match completion has yielded tangible results:

• A 10% increase in completed mixed matches reflects the improved organisation and weather management strategies.
• The total number of completed fixtures reached 1,081, an impressive 40% increase from the previous year.

For girls’ competitions, 154 matches were completed, marginally exceeding the 153 in 2023 despite challenges such as cancellations and no-results.

2024 Finals Day Winners

2024 Group Winners

Looking Ahead

The momentum from 2024’s successes positions Oxfordshire Cricket well for future expansion. The emphasis on inclusive programs, robust club participation, and strategic investments in youth cricket ensures that the sport will continue to thrive, inspiring young players for years to come.

​​Nick Pinhol, Operations Director at Oxfordshire Cricket, reflected on the year’s achievements, stating, “The growth of recreational junior cricket in 2024 has been truly inspiring. It’s a testament to the hard work of clubs, volunteers, and players who have come together to create an engaging and inclusive environment. We’re proud to see so many young people enjoying the game and building skills that will last a lifetime.”

To enter your club into our 2025 junior competitions please contact Recreational Cricket Coordinator, Conor O’Hickey at [email protected]