Scattergood, Andrew ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4122-1155 (2025) Over and Out? A report into the state and status of cricket in northern, working-class schools. Project Report. York St John University.

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Abstract

Evidence suggests that active and inclusive introductory versions of the game that utilise a softer ball remain popular and effective in terms of promoting engagement and participation in the game of cricket for young people of primary school age. However, in recent years, research, policy documents and anecdotal responses from teachers have suggested that many PE staff have become increasingly less likely and/or able to introduce and develop the hardball game to boys attending state secondary schools via the PE curriculum as well as extracurricular practices and fixtures. Seemingly constrained by access to appropriate facilities and equipment, the confidence and competence of many PE staff to effectively teach a hardball version of the game, and broader cultural issues associated with young, working-class boys’ contemporary leisure preferences, there is a great deal of evidence to suggest that participation and interest in the game of cricket – and the hardball version of the game in particular - has decreased significantly among many young working-class male pupils.

In contrast, there appears to be continued prominence and growth of the game within the private education sector, and with many fee-paying (often single-sex) schools able to offer a range of indoor training facilities, maintained grass cricket wickets, specialist elite cricket coaches, and regular competitive fixtures, it is perhaps not surprising that male county cricket talent pathways, professional county cricket clubs and England international squads are becoming increasing dominated by players who have benefitted from the opportunities, guidance, and support associated with a private education.

Whilst there are many state secondary schools that continue to successfully promote and develop the hardball game for male pupils in PE and via inter-school fixtures, it is apparent that cricket in many state schools is in a state of concern and crisis – particularly in certain areas of the country. It is within this context that this report aims to gain a picture of the state of the game for young males living in working-class communities, to understand how and why the apparent constraints on interest, participation and development have emerged, and perhaps more importantly to suggest some realistic and effective recommendations for increasing participation, progress, and performance in the game of cricket and the hard ball version of the game in particular

Item Type:	Monograph (Project Report)
Status:	Published
School/Department:	School of Science, Technology and Health
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/12052

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