R66T to Hardball – an U12 State School Cricket League, funded by The Root Foundation – is an inclusive, entry level event to encourage schools to play hardball cricket. The 2023 pilot competition created a pathway into the current Yorkshire Cricket Board Chance to Compete U13 and U15 events. 

 

More than 200 children took part in the qualifying matches last summer, with 20 schools in action in the knockout tournament. Each team consisted of 12 players in total, with 10 of those allowed on the field at any one time. It was The Snaith School, Kirk Balk Academy, Roundhay School and Beverley Grammar School who reached the R66T to Hardball Finals Day at Woodhouse Grove School in September, with the latter coming out on top in the final. 

 

Following a successful pilot event in 2023, The R66T Academy and the Yorkshire Cricket Board are already busy preparing to upscale the competition for next year. More schools will be included, more cricket will be played and, most importantly, more children will have the chance to get involved with our great sport!  

 

Moreover, Shape Learning - one of our Partnership Organisations - have committed to running a Chesterfield-based R66T to Hardball competition, with details to be announced in due course. To find out more about becoming a R66T Academy Partnership School, please visit the 'Schools' section on our website. 

 

We are very excited by the R66T to Hardball concept, as we see it as the perfect stepping stone into hardball cricket for pupils who have played Y5 and Y6 Dynamo's softball cricket at primary school and want more! The inclusive nature of the rules - and the support given to schools - are both key factors in its success so far. If you would like to find out more about running a R66T to Hardball event in your region, please contact R66T Academy Project Manager Nick Gaywood by emailing nick@r66t.co.uk. 

 

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