Foundation Stage

From the Independent Commission in to Equity Cricket (ICEC) report, published in June 2023, the ECB committed the following:

“We will work with the Counties to redefine the overall structure of the Talent Pathway. This will incorporate the introduction of an early engagement stage, thereby extending the Talent Pathway, creating greater opportunity for more players to develop, prior to the County Age Group (“CAG”) phase”.

“As a result, the introduction of formal CAG cricket will be delayed. We will consult with the game to determine what age is appropriate for its commencement, ensuring effective integration with this extended Talent Pathway”.

As a consequence of this commitment the ECB, via the county network, will be launching the Early Engagement Programme (EEP) from the 2025 – 2026 winter. Cornwall Cricket Board will define this stage as the Foundation Stage. Part of this launch will also include a re-defining of when the Talent Pathway begins, thus providing a clear distinction between the EEP and the Talent Pathway.

The Foundation Stage (Early Engagement Programme)

The Purpose:

The introduction of the Foundation Stage was one of the commitments made in response to the ICEC report to increase the diversity of the talent pathway, creating fairer access and opportunities for more children.

The key aims of the Foundation Stage are to:

  • Broaden the talent base and increase the connection between the recreational game and the talent pathway.
  • Increase diversity within our talent pathways.
  • Build foundational competencies to enable players to perform to their maximum capability over time.
  • Inspire players to have a lifelong engagement in cricket.

Target Age Range:

The Fountation Stage is positioned at Under 10-12, before the introduction of County Age Group (CAG) Cricket for boys and girls at Under 13.

Key Features of the Foundation Stage:

  • Number of players – Counties will aspire to reaching 10% of the playing population where possible to engage a broad base to the pathway. These players should come from a variety of sources, both traditional and non-traditional.
  • Assessment – Assessment for selection to the Foundation Satge must take place across a minimum of two separate observation sessions. Assessments will also be free of charge.
  • Winter programme – Selected players will receive access to a winter coaching programme delivered on a weekly basis
  • Competitive provision – The summer, competitive element of the Foundation Stage will look like:
    • Intra games only with minimised travel.
    • All players will be given equal opportunity of match play experiences and all players in the programme will play in the games.
    • 8 days of cricket should be provided and will be comprised of a wide variety of games and / or formats.
    • All players in the winter programme should have access to the summer games programme.

What does the Foundation Stage look like in Cornwall?

  • Observations: Cornwall Cricket Board will run a two stage observation process for players who register for the Foundation Stage trials. These will include:
    • Observation 1 – Outdoor Soft Ball Festival based trial in late August / early September
    • Observation 2 – Indoor Skills based trial in late September / early October
  • Winter Programme: Following the observation sessions, players will be selected and invited to the following number of Foundation Stage programmes that will run across the county from January to March. The numbers invited reflect the programme ambitions of reaching 10% of the playing population in the county: