The London Youth Games cricket qualifiers took place on 8th and 9th March at Harrow Leisure Centre and UEL SportsDock, giving 303 boys and girls under 13 the opportunity to compete and develop their love for the sport.

The event coincided with International Women’s Day. In secondary schools, girls play around half as much cricket as boys, so promoting girls’ participation remains a key focus. To help address this, the girls’ competition was scheduled separately in the afternoon, creating a comfortable and supportive environment.

Women’s cricket is one of England’s fastest-growing sports. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reported a 21% increase in the number of girls’ teams in 2024.

To ensure accessibility and safety, players used a ‘junior incrediball’ – a softer alternative to a standard cricket ball. This reduces the risk of injury while still allowing players to develop key skills. Additionally, players are not required to wear traditional cricket whites, meaning they can play in sportswear they feel comfortable in. This helps make the competition more inclusive while also reducing financial barriers.

Participants shared their enthusiasm, with one from Harrow Girls U13 Team saying: “We have had so much fun getting together every Thursday with our friends to train for the qualifier, and we had lots of fun today as well.”

A participant from Richmond Girls U13 added: “We are so happy we have qualified and we look forward to a rematch with Ealing Girls, who just beat us by one run.”

Congratulations to the following qualifying boroughs who will advance to the Finals:

• Boys:
  Harrow
  Wandsworth
  Haringey
  Westminster
  Bromley
  Waltham Forest
  Havering
  Redbridge
• Girls:
  Ealing
  Richmond
  Hammersmith & Fulham
  Merton
  Bexley
  Havering
  Haringey
  Redbridge

LYG thanks Essex Cricket for their collaboration and the Team Managers, Officials and volunteers who supported the day brilliantly. Without you these opportunities wouldn’t be made possible for the young people.