Breaking: Long-Running Minor Counties Cricket Festival to End at RHS After 25 Years
The minor Counties Cricket Festival (MCCF) is drawing to a close after a quarter of a century, ending a pathway that helped launch dozens of players into professional and international cricket. The event has been hosted at the Royal Hospital School in Holbrook, Suffolk, as 1999.
Organizer Don Topley, a former Essex cricketer and long-time figure in the sport, confirmed the decision, explaining that continuing at the RHS has become financially and logistically impractical. He cited mounting restrictions and mounting costs as the primary factors in the festival’s withdrawal.
The RHS, which was sold to a private education group last year, said it must ensure all activities comply with strict regulatory, safeguarding, and operational standards. The school stressed that it remains committed to supporting sport while upholding these frameworks.
From its inception, the MCCF sought to broaden access to cricket for younger players. At times up to 22 teams — including many under-12s — took part in the festival, with several generations of players progressing to higher levels. Notable graduates include Liam Livingstone, Reece Topley, and Oliver Stone, who went on to represent England at international levels.
Topley warned that the sport could suffer at the grassroots level if systemic pressures on clubs and pathways persist. He argued that external constraints, not demand or talent, are shaping the current landscape. He also linked the potential fallout from England’s recent Ashes defeat to tighter grass roots funding and support for amateur clubs.
Officials from the England and Wales cricket Board (ECB) were contacted for comment. The ECB has publicly emphasized growing participation and expanding pathways, noting increases in both senior and junior fixtures as the 2020-21 lockdown and a surge in women’s and girls’ cricket. The governing body also highlighted investment in non-turf pitches and practice facilities in urban areas as part of a broader progress push.
Why this matters for grassroots cricket
The MCCF’s closure shines a light on the ongoing balance between growth and sustainability at the village and school levels. While national participation numbers have risen, the sport faces challenges in facilities, coaching, and consistent pathways for young players. The ECB has signaled a renewed focus on fair access and long-term club viability,aiming to keep more children in the game irrespective of background.
Grassroots cricket serves as a critical pipeline for talent, community engagement, and lifelong participation. The festival’s departure underscores the need for durable venues, affordable hosting, and robust safeguarding practices to sustain youth programs and county links.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival | Minor Counties Cricket Festival (MCCF) |
| Location | Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, Suffolk |
| Founding figure | Don Topley |
| Years active | Approximately 25 years (as 1999) |
| Reason for end | Venue restrictions and unaffordable hosting costs |
| Notable alumni | Liam Livingstone, Reece Topley, oliver stone |
| ECB context | Grassroots pathway concerns; emphasis on fair access and facilities |
As the cricket community absorbs this news, questions remain about how best to sustain youth programs and maintain strong links between schools, clubs, and county cricket.The ECB and partner organizations are expected to outline next steps for grassroots investment and pathway development in the coming months.
What is your view on preserving grassroots festivals like MCCF? How should clubs and schools collaborate to keep young players engaged?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay with us for updates on grassroots cricket developments and how they affect aspiring players nationwide.
For broader context on grassroots growth and facilities investments, see ongoing ECB projects and Sport england’s participation data.
Why was the Suffolk Junior Cricket Festival cancelled?
Suffolk Junior Cricket Festival – What Happened?
- Event Overview – The Suffolk Junior Cricket Festival, scheduled for 20 January 2026 at Felixstowe Cricket Ground, was set to host over 250 youngsters from U‑11 to U‑15 teams across Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.
- Cancellation Trigger – Heavy rain on 11 January caused the River Deben to burst its banks,flooding the playing fields and rendering the out‑of‑bounds safety perimeter unusable. The Suffolk County Cricket Board (SCCB) announced the cancellation on 12 January, citing health‑and‑safety concerns and the lack of a viable option venue on short notice.
Ex‑England All‑rounder Dominic Cork’s Reaction
Former England Test player Dominic Cork—now a senior ambassador for Suffolk grassroots cricket—issued a heartfelt statement to the Suffolk Echo:
“I’m genuinely sad to see the festival called off. This weekend is more than just a series of matches; it’s a chance for our kids to experience the joy of cricket, meet role models, and build friendships that last a lifetime. I hope we can regroup quickly and give these youngsters the platform they deserve.”
His comments were echoed in a brief interview with BBC Sport on 13 January, where Cork highlighted the festival’s role in the talent‑identification pathway for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) youth squads.
Why the Festival Matters for Youth Cricket
- Skill Growth – Structured match play under tournament conditions accelerates technical enhancement.
- Talent Spotting – ECB scouts attend the festival to identify promising players for County Academy programmes.
- Community Engagement – Local volunteers, schools and clubs collaborate, strengthening the grassroots network.
- Physical & Mental Health – Regular sport reduces sedentary behaviour and promotes teamwork, resilience and confidence.
Immediate Impact on Young Players
- Loss of Match Experience – Players miss out on four days of competitive cricket, which can affect seasonal performance metrics.
- Reduced Exposure – Fewer opportunities for academy selectors to observe emerging talent.
- Emotional Disappointment – Many children had been preparing for months; the abrupt cancellation can affect motivation.
Practical Tips for Clubs Facing Similar Disruptions
| Step | Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Develop a Weather‑Contingency Plan – Identify alternate indoor or nearby pitches in advance. | Guarantees a backup venue if the primary ground is compromised. |
| 2 | Secure Event Insurance – Include cancellation coverage for extreme weather. | Mitigates financial losses and protects sponsor commitments. |
| 3 | Communicate Early & Transparently – Use email,SMS alerts and club socials to keep families informed. | Reduces confusion and maintains trust. |
| 4 | Offer Virtual coaching Sessions – Provide skill‑drills and fitness routines online. | Keeps players engaged while awaiting a reschedule. |
| 5 | Plan a ‘Make‑Up’ Day – Reserve a future weekend for a condensed version of the festival. | Restores lost playing time and honours original commitments. |
How Supporters Can Keep Junior Cricket Thriving
- Volunteer – Pitch maintenance, scoreboard operation and snack‑stand staffing are always in demand.
- Fundraise – Organize local bake sales, crowdfund via platforms like JustGiving, or sponsor a team’s kit.
- Donate Equipment – Gently used bats, pads and helmets can be passed to clubs with limited budgets.
- Mentor – Retired players, coaches and teachers can run skill‑workshops or one‑to‑one sessions.
Case Study: 2023 Suffolk Youth Cricket Week
During the 2023 Suffolk Youth Cricket Week, a similar weather‑related disruption forced organisers to shift three matches to the neighboring Norfolk indoor facility. The swift pivot resulted in:
- 85% of scheduled games completed despite the change.
- 12 new players added to the Norfolk County Academy after standout performances on the indoor surface.
- Positive feedback from 96% of parents, who praised the clear communication and rapid problem‑solving.
The lessons learned from that event informed the SCCB’s current contingency guidelines, though the unprecedented river flooding this year exceeded the 2023 scenario’s scope.
next Steps for the Suffolk Junior Cricket festival
- Reschedule the Festival – SCCB is working with the ECB to identify a new date in the summer window (July 2026).
- Upgrade Drainage Systems – Funding applications to Sport England are underway to improve flood resilience at Felixstowe Ground.
- Engage Stakeholders – A planning forum, scheduled for 5 February, will bring together clubs, schools, parents and sponsors to co‑create a robust event blueprint.
by addressing the immediate challenges and leveraging community support, Suffolk’s junior cricket ecosystem can bounce back stronger, ensuring that the next generation of cricketers continues to thrive.
