Bouchier, an MCC Foundation Ambassador, recently joined a cricket session with players from Leyton’s boys’ and girls’ hubs to kick off the annual MCC Foundation National Hubs competition. This competition will feature teams from various hubs across the country, including Leyton, vying for the opportunity to play at Lord’s on the main ground later this summer.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Bouchier stated: “It’s fantastic to witness a significant rise in youth engagement in the program, especially among girls. We are witnessing a remarkable surge of interest in women’s cricket, with England playing in front of packed stadiums and the excitement surrounding competitions like The Hundred. It’s heartening to see more girls getting involved in cricket, but it’s crucial to ensure that girls from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to partake in the game and potentially advance through the talent pathway.

She further added, “It’s incredible to witness so many individuals seizing these opportunities through the MCC Foundation Hubs program.”

The MCC Foundation National Hub Competition will kick off next month, culminating in the boys’ and girls’ finals at Lord’s on Saturday, July 20th. The program has already made a significant impact, particularly in urban areas like Leyton, where cricket accessibility and opportunities have historically been limited. By linking players to the talent pathway and collaborating with coaches from all 18 counties across England and Wales, the program has engaged over 20,000 young participants since 2012.

Thanks to the recent injection of £1 million in funding over two years from MCC and ECB, 49 new hubs have been established across the nation, including hubs in cities like Aberdeen, Huddersfield, and Plymouth. This initiative has expanded the total number of hubs to 126 and increased overall participation by 1,500 individuals. Dr. Sarah Fane, a director at the MCC Foundation, acknowledged the profound impact of the investment from MCC and ECB, emphasizing the opportunity this funding provides for young people from state school backgrounds to access and play cricket, fostering their development within the talent pathway.

The program has already seen success stories, with over 188 players accessing the talent pathway in 2023. Anjali from Leyton is a prime example, having progressed to the Essex County Age Group Pathway, securing a spot in the England under-17’s Action Indoor Cricket team, and now returning to the Leyton Hub as part of the coaching team.

Looking ahead, the program aims to establish an additional 24 hubs next year as it continues to expand its reach and impact on youth cricket development.