Former England fast‑bowler Chris Woakes has publicly endorsed two fresh initiatives launched by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that aim to bring the game into the classrooms of more than 3,500 teachers and over 1,700 state‑funded secondary schools across the country. The dual effort, known as the "Cricket For Teachers" programme and the "Secondary Countdown Cricket" competition, forms a cornerstone of the ECB’s strategic goal to embed cricket in at least half of all state secondary schools by the close of 2028. Cricket For Teachers is a completely free professional development scheme tailored specifically for physical‑education teachers. Its purpose is to equip them with the confidence, practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to run high‑quality cricket sessions that cater to pupils of any ability level.
Schools that sign up for the scheme will be supplied with a comprehensive package that includes specialist training workshops, teaching resources, equipment kits and ongoing advisory support. The overarching aim is to help each participating school build a lasting cricket culture that can thrive long after the initial rollout. Woakes, a two‑time World Cup champion with England who amassed 217 international caps across all formats before hanging up his boots in 2025, explained why the initiative resonates with him personally. "I was lucky enough to discover my love for cricket through opportunities that existed at school and in my local community, and I know how pivotal those experiences can be for young people," he said.
He added, "These programmes will introduce cricket to many more children who may never have held a bat or ball before. The more chances we can create in state schools, the stronger and more inclusive the future of our game will become." In addition to the teacher‑focused element, the ECB is rolling out Secondary Countdown Cricket, a mass‑participation soft‑ball tournament designed for pupils aged 11 to 16.
The competition is intended to provide a fun, low‑pressure environment where students can experience the excitement of playing cricket while developing teamwork and sporting skills. Funding attached to the scheme will ensure that schools receive the necessary training, equipment, and resources, as well as organized fixtures that make participation straightforward and enjoyable.
Richard Thompson, chair of the ECB, highlighted the broader context of the launch. "When we introduced the State School Action Plan, we pledged to create more opportunities for young people from every background to experience cricket. This launch is an important step in delivering that commitment.
State schools educate the vast majority of young people in England and Wales, so if we are serious about making cricket the most inclusive team sport in the country, we must ensure those schools have the support they need. Cricket For Teachers and Secondary Countdown Cricket will help remove barriers, build confidence among teachers and give hundreds of thousands more young people the opportunity to enjoy everything our sport has to offer," he said. The rationale behind targeting teachers is clear: educators are the most direct conduit to students, and when teachers feel equipped and enthusiastic, that enthusiasm trickles down to the pupils. By offering free training and resources, the ECB hopes to demystify cricket for teachers who may have limited personal experience of the sport, thereby encouraging them to incorporate cricket drills, games and discussions into their regular PE curriculum.
The programme also includes digital learning modules, lesson‑plan templates, and access to a network of experienced cricket coaches who can provide advice and troubleshoot challenges. For the students, the Secondary Countdown Cricket competition promises a structured yet flexible format. Schools will be grouped into regional clusters, with each cluster hosting a series of mini‑tournaments throughout the academic year. Points earned in these matches will contribute to an overall leaderboard, culminating in a national finals event that showcases the most successful teams.
The competition is deliberately designed to be inclusive: soft‑ball is used instead of the traditional hard ball, reducing safety concerns and making the game more accessible to beginners and mixed‑ability groups. Beyond the immediate benefits of skill development and physical activity, both programmes are expected to have wider social impacts.
Participation in team sports like cricket has been linked to improved mental health, better academic outcomes, and stronger community ties. By embedding cricket within state schools, the ECB hopes to foster a sense of belonging and teamwork among students who might otherwise have limited exposure to organized sport.
The funding for these initiatives comes from a combination of ECB allocations, government sport grants, and private sponsorships. This financial backing ensures that schools do not have to bear any cost for the training or equipment, removing a common barrier that has historically limited the spread of cricket in state‑funded institutions.
Schools that join the programme will receive cricket kits that include bats, balls, stumps, and protective gear, as well as instructional videos and printed guides. Overall, the launch of Cricket For Teachers and Secondary Countdown Cricket represents a significant push by the ECB to democratise the sport, making it a staple of the school experience for a new generation of children. With the endorsement of a respected figure like Chris Woakes, the initiatives are likely to gain traction quickly, encouraging more schools to participate and helping to secure cricket’s place as a truly inclusive, nationwide pastime.