Hertfordshire Cricket

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The Hertfordshire Young Antlers Programme is our new Early Engagement Programme to launch in Winter 2025-26. This programme will replace our current Boys Charley Cricket Programme and Girls CAG U11-U12 and Jets programmes.

Purpose

The introduction of the Early Engagement Programme (EEP) was one of the commitments the ECB made in response to the ICEC report to increase the diversity of the talent pathway.

The key aims of Early Engagement Programmes are to:

• Broaden the talent base and increase the connection between the recreational game and the talent pathway.
• Increase diversity within talent pathways.
• Build foundational competencies to enable players to perform to their maximum capability over time.
• Inspire players to have a lifelong engagement in cricket.

Young Antlers Programme

Young Antlers will be positioned at Under 10-12, before the introduction of County Age Group (CAG) for boys and girls at Under 13/U14. The programme will involve both winter practice and summer intra-squad match-play.

There will be Young Antler sessions at venues across the county to reduce travel and flexibility for players to take part in other sports.

Research

For Early Engagement programmes to be effective, player experience is key. A combination of challenge and support in a positive and enjoyable environment will help to foster a love of the game and promote lifelong engagement.

ECB Research challenges the predictive value of early selection (pre-maturation), and there’s general agreement that the efficiency and effectiveness of talent identification improves with age. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged that players of all ages benefit from effective talent development (coaching, competition, conditioning etc). Therefore, during the Early Engagement Stage it is essential to combine a high-quality player experience with broad numbers to best promote transition the latter stages of the game. Definitive selection should be avoided, with pathways employing entry and exit points throughout.

Challenge

In line with this all Young Antler players are continually assessed throughout the year. To develop those players who have been identified by coaches as showing potential, we supplement the Young Antler programme with some additional Challenge Sessions during the winter (these are strictly by invitation only).

Application process for Winter 2025/26 is now open:

Young Antlers Boys Programme

Young Antlers Girls Programme