27th June 2025
| Laura Goode
ENTER YOUR SCHOOL INTO THE BARCLAYS KNIGHT-STOKES CUP, BEGINNING IN 2026
Calling all secondary schools across the nation, step up to the crease and join a game-changing moment in school sport.
From 2026, state schools in Wales and across the UK are invited to compete in the Barclays Knight-Stokes Cup, a brand-new national hardball competition for U15 state school students. And the ultimate prize? A shot at playing in the national final on the hallowed turf of Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Named in honour of two inspirational, state-educated England cricket legends, Heather Knight and Ben Stokes, this exciting initiative, run by MCC and the MCC Foundation, aims to open more doors for young players to enjoy and excel in the game of cricket.
Why Your School Should Enter:
- Showcase young talent on a national stage
- Develop cricket in your school and inspire participation
- Compete for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play at Lord’s in the finals
- Be part of a game-changing moment in state school sport
The competition is open to boys' and girls' teams at U15 level (up to School Year 10). For the girls’ competition, there will be flexibility to include two U16 players per match (final rules to be confirmed).
School will initially compete at local level, with the best teams progressing to regional and national stages.
In the words of Michael Vaughan:
“This is a brilliant opportunity, I’d encourage kids to pester their teachers to get the school signed up!”
We couldn’t agree more, let’s make sure schools in Wales are represented, and that our young players get the opportunities they deserve.
Register your school interest here:
Barclays Knight-Stokes Cup - Schools Expression of Interest Form for Summer 2026