To Become a Focus Club you must: 

• Affiliated to the ECB via their County Cricket Board.
• Committed to achieving the objectives within ‘Building Partnerships’.
• Will work in partnership with ECB, the County Cricket Board, schools and the community to deliver high quality agreed outcomes.
• Has achieved or is committed to achieving and maintaining ECB Clubmark Accreditation evidencing that they are a safe, effective and child friendly club.
• Has a Club Development Plan that has been approved by the County Cricket Board and is reviewed and updated on an annual basis.

What are the benefits of achieving Focus Club status?

- Dedicated priority time and support from Cricket Development Managers (CDMs), including achieving and maintaining ECB Clubmark.

- Additional time and support from County Boards and County Sport Partnerships

- Priority access to the Community Club Grant Aid Programmes through the ECB Single Investment System (SIS)

- Opportunity to be invited to participate in the ‘Chance to shine’ programme, managed by the Cricket Foundation, to regenerate competitive cricket in State Schools

- Information and advice on how to establish Club / School Partnership agreements

- Eligibility to receive Community Club revenue funding Access to ECB Machinery Fund (subject to availability)

- Access to subsidies for ECB Coach Education courses via national sponsorship (Sky) or County Boards and priority allocation of places

- Access to support from Community Sports Coaches employed by the County Board or other partners

- Potential to be invited to participate in Test Match and ODI Interval Demonstrations (depending on International Match programme)

- Participation in County OSCA programmes where available One to One Club Communication Roadshows