A new structure for Junior and Youth Cricket in Ireland

Cricket Ireland has developed a new structure for junior and youth cricket in Ireland that aims to provide more young cricketers with exciting, challenging, enjoyable cricket experiences.

This new structure will ensure that, for the first time, a consistent approach is being taken to junior and youth playing conditions and rule modifications across the country. The structure, and accompanying guidelines, places the players experience front-and-centre by simplifying rules and removing as many barriers as possible to ensure kids enjoy the game first-and-foremost.

The new structure and guidelines

New age and stage appropriate formats of the game have been introduced to offer more players more opportunities to play the game, including shorter pitch lengths and smaller boundaries. This means more action, more running, more balls in play, less wides, more boundaries, increased skill levels and more importantly more enjoyment.

>> Download an overview of the new Junior and Youth Cricket Structure

Talent identification is still a key area of interest to Cricket Ireland, and we have revised the Inter-Provincial boys competitions at Under-15s and Under-17s levels to become week-long tournaments, which will give players the opportunity to play both 50-over and T20 cricket formats. Fixtures will be released shortly.

Guidelines for each stage

The following information provides guidelines and recommendations for every level and stage of the new structure.

Please note: the representative pathway following Under-13s Regional / Zone / District moves into the Hanley Energy Under-15s and Under 17s Inter-Provincial Competition (details coming shortly).