As communicated in March and at the Spring Management Meeting we have had requirements about junior cricket through from the ECB for what clubs must do by October 31st 2026 to be able to play top two divisions of 1st XI in 2027.

1) A cricket programme available for 5-11 years, which can include All Stars OR Dynamos OR a club’s own 5-11 years Programme.

2) At least three hardball junior teams, which can include a girls’hardball team. These teams can be at any Age Group from and including U9 up to U18 level and must enter a formal league competition recognized by the RCB (Essex).

3) Have a Girls’ Section*. This section can be at any Age Group from and including U9 up to U18 level.

* - A Girls' Section is defined as a minimum of one girls' team playing in either a softball or hardball fixture, league or friendly, indoors, or outdoors, on Play-Cricket.