Dorset Cricket Launches three 2026 MCC Foundation Hub teams, (known as the Bournemouth Hubs), pulling players from across Dorset to play cricket.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) lead the MCC Foundation that invests greatly into grass roots cricket offering free coaching, match play, and projects to inspire young players. One of their many initiatives are the MCC Foundation Hubs. The Hubs are aligned to the County’s but work independently from them running cricket training and games across various mediums – These include friendlies, cricket festivals, knock out competitions, and players can also form parts of the MCC regional teams (using selected players from Hubs) to play against other regions and touring cricket sides.

Last year our teams both lost by just two runs to the Southampton Hub in the knockout competition, but we had players selected to be part of the festivals, and the regional teams who played against international touring youth sides.

Cost – It’s FREE!

The MCC Foundation Hub is FREE, players will receive 16.5 hours of coaching (including an observation), games, festival access, regional selection opportunities, and will also receive a free playing jersey.

Player Eligibility

Residence

Players must either live in Dorset, school in Dorset, or play cricket for a Dorset cricket club.

Boys

Boys must attend a state school and not be part of the county pathway, age wise they must be in current school years 7 to10. These will form our U13 and U15 teams.

Girls

Girls must attend a state school and be in current school years 7 – 11. Non-EPP County players who play for Dorset Academy are eligible for MCC Hub selection this year. This will form a wider squad of players, players U14 will be eligible for the Festival Competition, and the best available players (regardless of age) will play in the U17 National Competition.

Observation

Selection will be via an observation session to be held at the Dorset Cricket Centre Hurn Bridge Sports Ground, Avon Causeway, Christchurch, BH23 6DY on 29th December.

09:00 – 11:00 - All girls
11:00-13:00 - U13 Boys – those in school years 7/8
13:00-15:00 - U15 Boys those in school years 9/10

Training

For selected players training will run from 13th Jan 2026 to Easter, with games then starting in Spring.

Training Locations – These will be held at Lytchett Minster School, Post Green Road, Poole BH16 6JD, or at the Dorset Cricket Centre, Hurn.

Sign Up Links – Parents please complete the relevant links below -

Boy Player Sign Up Link:

Girl Player Sign Up Link:

For any queries, please contact:

Dan Hardy

Dorset MCC Hubs Manager

T: 01258 723117

E: dan.hardy@dorset-cricket.co.uk