The Lancashire Cricket Foundation is offering free cricket programmes to 1,400 kids across the county and the Greater Manchester region this summer.
Offering coaching and games to children from disadvantaged backgrounds whilst also aiming for greater female participation this year, the Foundation’s bursary programme is being opened up to young ones all across Lancashire and various parts of 0161.
Set to deliver opportunities to a record number of kids in 2024, the scheme is part of the nationwide All Stars and Dynamos initiative – now into its sixth year and set up by the England and Wales Cricket Board – and is open to all kids between the ages of 5-11, with more than 5,600 in Lancashire last year alone.
The aim is pretty simple: keep kids active and playing as much as possible, whilst also helping nurture the world of grassroots cricket.
Last year, around 1,200 Lancashire kids and beyond were given free cricket bursaries. (Credit: Supplied)
While the eight-hour long kids courses themselves cost £30 for the younger bracket and £40 for those 8-11, bursary places are being reserved for children living in deprived areas and diverse communities, where participation would otherwise be limited.
The programme has proved massively popular all across the North West and thanks to likes of total of the Red Rose’s Community Foundation works, who have brought the scheme to more than 200 clubs and centres across the nation, more than 20,000 children have taken part since it was introduced.
Now that’s one way to put the future of UK cricket in safe hands.
As for the All Stars and Dynamos, in addition to providing a social outlet and activities to help develop fundamental skills on and off the pitch, organisers always ensure to make things fully inclusive and support a wide range of abilities, disabilities and different learning needs.
In addition to the coaching received, every child who registers also receives their very own t-shirt, personalised with their name and number, as well as a range of other benefits including priority access to LCC tickets, chances to meet players, discounts on merch and lots of other potential prizes.
Ready to make this summer the best one yet in Lancashire? ☀️
Jen Barden, Executive Director of the Lancashire Cricket Foundation, said of this year’s efforts:“Through a variety of programmes, the Foundation delivers cricket to more than 110,000 participants in our schools, clubs, and communities, and we have a strong commitment to growing the game of cricket across the county.
“We are particularly proud of the Bursary Scheme that provides young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and under-represented groups with access to cricket. These programmes are vital for introducing the game to more young people, helping them stay active and develop new skills, in a fun, friendly, and inclusive environment.”
Parents can register their children for All Stars and Dynamos Cricket courses and find out whether they qualify for a bursary HERE.
A young BMX star from Trafford finished on the podium in the 2025 World Championships
Danny Jones
A Greater Manchester native placed on the podium at the 2025 BMX World Championships in yet another display of our region’s sporting excellence.
12-year-old Leo Rowlands from Timperley in Trafford was one of the several promising BMX riders representing Team GB at the World Championships in Copenhagen, which kicked off at the end of July.
Back in 2023, Geordie-born Kieran Reilly became the UK’s first champion at the UCI BMX Freestyle Worlds in Glasgow, and this year, London’s Beth Shriever claimed a trio of world titles.
Combine that with the incredible achievement of the talented young lad coming third overall in his own category, and it really was another brilliant performance from Great Britain.
Credit: Supplied
Penning a proud statement online, local outlet Altrincham Today wrote: “HUGE congratulations to Leo Rowlands, who has just claimed WORLD No. 3 at the BMX World Championships in Copenhagen.
“The Year 7 [aged 11-12] Altrincham College student, who’s been racing since age 6 and trains at Bruntwood Park BMX Club in Cheadle, came through a field of over 140 of the world’s best riders to reach the final and secure his spot on the podium.
“Already North Champion and UK National No. 2, Leo will be going for the British Championship title in Kent this month.”
Joining in sharing their pride and praise on social media, his home college in Alty, along with Rowlands’ fellow students, simply added: “Incredible performance, Leo!”
The comments underneath both posts are filled with other parents and fellow locals passing on their congrats. You love to see it.
Credit: Family Handout (supplied)
As for his regular cycling haunt, Bruntwood Park BMX Club also went on to add: “Yesterday, two riders reached the top of the sport for their age, and it is with great pride that they bring home the club’s first W plates from a World Championships.
“First up, Leo Rowlands, who put down a stunning lap in the Male 12s final, working his way back from dead last out of the gate to make a brilliant podium and take home W3.”
They went on to credit all of their rising talents, including another promising young and already multi-title-winning champion in Lexi Waite, who fought her way back from a slipped gate to finish in fifth.
Bruntwood signed off by adding: “What an incredible achievement from both of these outstanding riders, and we cannot wait to have these guys back with their W plates!”
There’s plenty of cycling history being made here in Greater Manchester, and we’ve no doubt there’s more to come.
Manchester Storm ban supporter and condemn discriminatory behaviour after online comments
Danny Jones
Ice hockey side Manchester Storm have come out to vocally condemn any and all forms of discrimination following recent concerns raised online and, more importantly, putting words into action after issuing a stadium ban to a match-going fan.
Writing a lengthy, passionate and defiant post on Wednesday, 6 August, Manchester Storm informed supporters that they had been made aware of multiple “derogatory and discriminatory comments” earlier this week.
The remarks in question were made across various social media platforms, as well as fan forums over the past few days, but thankfully were quickly identified and removed by admins.
Nevertheless, Storm recognised the importance of cracking down on this kind of behaviour as swiftly and firmly as possible, penning this pitch-perfect reply in terms of tone and practical action.
The official statement reads: “These comments are deeply concerning and go against everything our club stands for. Let us be absolutely clear: racism, homophobia, and any form of discriminatory or hateful behaviour will not be tolerated – online or at the [Planet Ice] Arena.
“We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive club that welcomes players, staff, and fans from all backgrounds. Anyone found engaging in racist, homophobic, or otherwise abusive behaviour will be banned and will not be permitted entry to The [Storm] Shelter.”
Storm also went on to detail that the individual in question regarding multiple related incidents has not only been issued with a ban, but that their season ticket has been revoked and will be denied all entry to their home ground in Altrincham.
They also assured that the matter has been reported to Greater Manchester Police, adding that the club “will continue to cooperate fully with their investigations” and”will not hesitate to pursue further legal action where necessary.
Proud to see such quick and decisive action from the local sporting organisation, which should help serve as a real deterrent for similar potential trouble in the future.
The response from the right-minded fans in the comments was great to see as well.
Regardless of the offensive remarks made on the forum, most Manchester Storm supporters welcome the statement fan ban. (Credit: IG)
One user on X wrote: “The storm is for everyone; we don’t need these people anywhere near the Storm Shelter. Thank you for acting so quickly.” Another on Instagram added, “Absolutely, hockey is for everyone, correct and firm stance/action. Well done, from a Belfast Giants fan.”
The club signed off by saying: “Manchester Storm remains committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. Hate has no place in hockey – or anywhere else.
“We thank our community for standing with us in upholding these values.
Danny Jones -
2nd May 2024 
