This guide provides structured reference information on all stars cricket benefits, cost, registration process for parents and guardians, and evaluating the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) youth participation programme.
All Stars Cricket exists to provide an accessible cricket introduction for young children through standardised, safe sessions delivered nationwide.
Parents will learn programme eligibility criteria, session structure, safety protocols, complete cost breakdown, equipment provisions, and registration mechanics.
All Stars Cricket
This guide is organised as a decision-support reference document covering essential programme details without promotional content.
Programme Overview: All Stars Cricket at a Glance
| Programme Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Age Group | 5–8 years old |
| Programme Duration | 8 weeks |
| Session Frequency | Once weekly |
| Session Length | 60 minutes |
| Equipment Type | Plastic bats, foam/plastic balls |
| Competitive Level | Non-competitive participation |
| Venue Count | Over 2,200 accredited centres |
| Geographic Coverage | England and Wales |
| Operating Season | May/June to August |
Eligibility and Age Criteria
All stars cricket age eligibility for kids is defined as children aged 5 to 8 years. This age range reflects the programme’s developmental focus and activity design parameters.
Standard Eligibility Rules:
- Children must be aged 5–8 during the programme period
- Both boys and girls are eligible for participation
- The programme accommodates varied abilities and learning needs
- Inclusive provision for children with disabilities
Club Discretion Policy:
- Individual centres may accept children outside the 5–8 age range
- Parents must contact centres directly to request age exceptions
- Parent or guardian participation as a helper is typically required for age exceptions
- Final acceptance decisions rest with individual venue operators
Session Structure and Weekly Format
Session Duration and Organisation:
- Each session lasts 60 minutes
- Eight consecutive weekly sessions are scheduled during the summer months
- Activity rotations maintain engagement throughout the session
- Game-based format rather than drill-based instruction
Supervision and Delivery:
- Sessions led by trained activators
- All activators complete ECB-approved training programmes
- Multiple activity stations operate simultaneously during sessions
- Small group rotations ensure individual attention
Activity Format:
- All stars cricket sessions for beginners emphasise participation over performance
- Progressive skill development across an eight-week cycle
- No scoring systems or competitive rankings
- Achievement tracking through individual activity booklets
Skills Covered in the Programme
Cricket-Specific Technical Skills:
- Batting: ball tracking, backlift technique, contact mechanics
- Bowling: overarm delivery action with straight-arm requirement
- Throwing: underarm and overarm techniques for accuracy
- Catching: hand positioning and eye-ball coordination using varied ball sizes
- Running: wicket-running patterns and speed development
Fundamental Movement Skills:
- Hand-eye coordination exercises
- Balance and spatial awareness activities
- Running, jumping, and directional movement patterns
- Agility development through game-based activities
Communication and Teamwork Skills:
- Cricket terminology and game language introduction
- Partner communication during batting partnerships
- Fielding coordination and calling protocols
- Spirit of cricket values: fair play, respect, and consideration
Safety Standards and Safeguarding Measures
ECB Safeguarding Requirements:
- All Stars Cricket Safety Guidelines for Children apply to all accredited centres
- Centres undergo mandatory safeguarding assessments before accreditation
- Risk assessment protocols are required at each venue
- Insurance compliance verified before programme approval
Personnel Vetting and Training:
- All activators undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks
- ECB-approved training completion is mandatory for all activators
- Ongoing safeguarding training requirements
- Qualified supervision ratios are maintained during sessions
Equipment Safety Protocols:
- Lightweight plastic bats eliminate hard-impact risks
- Soft foam or plastic balls are used exclusively throughout the programme
- No protective equipment (pads, gloves, helmets) required
- Age-appropriate equipment sizing for all participants
Parent Participation Options
Observation and Sideline Involvement:
- Parents welcome to observe sessions from the venue boundaries
- Photography and video recording are typically permitted (check centre policy)
- Encouragement from the sidelines supported
Active On-Field Participation:
- Parent involvement in all stars cricket sessions includes warm-up activities
- Full session participation alongside children is permitted at most centres
- Family engagement opportunities during activities
Programme Support Roles:
- Parent helper option available during registration process
- Centres contact interested parents with role information
- Support provided for helper responsibilities
- Training available for parents wishing to become activators in future programmes
Programme Cost and Kit Breakdown
| Item | Included in Programme Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Programme Fee | £50 | Standard cost for an 8-week programme |
| Additional Membership | No | Some centres charge separate membership fees |
| Personalised T-Shirt | Yes | Features the child’s name |
| Plastic Cricket Bat | Yes | Child-sized for the age group |
| Soft Ball | Yes | Foam or plastic construction |
| Backpack | Yes | Branded programme bag |
| Cap | Yes | Programme-branded headwear |
| Activity Booklet | Yes | Skill tracking and progress recording |
| Protective Equipment | Not Required | Lightweight equipment negates the need |
How much does all stars cricket cost in the UK? It is £50 for the complete eight-week programme with all kit items included. Parents should confirm any additional centre-specific fees during venue selection.
Registration Process Explained
How to register for the all stars cricket programme follows this procedure:
- Visit Official All Stars Registration Page when the registration period opens (typically early spring)
- Access the session finder tool on the ECB website
- Enter postcode or location details to identify local accredited centres
- Review available centres showing session schedules and venue details
- Select the preferred centre based on location and timing convenience
- Complete the online registration form with the child’s personal details
- Indicate whether you wish to assist as a parent helper during sessions
- Submit payment (£50) through a secure online payment portal
- Receive confirmation email with session details and kit delivery information
- Await personalised kit delivery before the programme start date
Registration must be completed online. Centres do not accept in-person or telephone registrations.
Delivery Timeline for Personalised Kit
What children receive in all stars cricket kit is delivered to the address provided during registration.
The ECB aims to dispatch all participant kits before the course start date to ensure children have equipment for the first session.
All Stars Cricket personalised t-shirt delivery time may vary due to logistical factors.
Current processing experiences some delays beyond standard timelines.
Parents receive kit dispatch notifications and tracking information through registration email addresses.
Centres cannot expedite individual kit deliveries.
FAQs
- What progression pathways exist after All Stars Cricket?
Children aged 8+ can transition to Dynamos Cricket, the ECB’s next-level programme. Many clubs operate junior sections for continued participation beyond ECB programmes.
- Do All Stars Holiday Camps operate?
The ECB offers holiday camps using the same programme structure in some regions. Availability varies by location. Check the ECB centre finder or contact local clubs for holiday provision.
- What happens if the weather cancels a session?
Centres reschedule cancelled sessions or provide indoor alternatives where facilities permit. Clubs communicate cancellations and rescheduling directly to registered parents.
- Can siblings attend sessions together?
Siblings within the 5–8 age range can register for the same centre and session time. Centres accommodate family scheduling where capacity permits.
- Is financial assistance available?
Some centres offer bursary schemes or reduced fees. Parents should contact individual centres to enquire about financial support availability.
- What qualifications do activators hold?
All activators complete ECB-approved training specific to All Stars Cricket delivery. DBS checks are mandatory for all activators. Many activators hold additional coaching qualifications.
Conclusion:
This guide has detailed all stars cricket benefits, cost, registration process information required for informed parent decisions about programme participation. Essential details summarised:
Programme Scope and Structure:
- ECB-administered initiative for children aged 5–8 years
- Eight weekly one-hour sessions during the summer months
- Non-competitive, game-based participation format
- Over 2,200 accredited centres across England and Wales
- All stars cricket coaching for young children delivered by DBS-checked, ECB-trained activators
Cost Transparency:
- £50 standard programme fee covering eight sessions
- Personalised equipment kit included in programme cost
- Potential additional membership fees at some centres
- Kit includes t-shirt, bat, ball, backpack, cap, and activity booklet
Parent Involvement Summary:
- Observation, on-field participation, and helper roles are available
- The registration process identifies the parent helper’s interest
- The All Stars cricket programme for children in the UK supports family participation throughout programme delivery
All stars cricket benefits, cost, registration process information enables parents to evaluate programme suitability and complete registration procedures through the ECB’s online platform when registration periods open.