Last week, pupils from Severn Vale School in Gloucester experienced an unforgettable day at the prestigious Lord’s Cricket Ground, competing in the Lord’s Taverners National Table Cricket Finals.
The school’s team was one of eleven squads to battle it out in the Nursery Pavilion for the coveted national title. Having successfully navigated three qualifying rounds, the students reached this pinnacle event—a testament to their dedication and skill.
Gareth Rogers, a teacher with 16 years of service at Severn Vale School, expressed immense pride in his students’ achievements. “Being here at Lord’s is absolutely incredible. Over the past five years, our school has placed a strong emphasis on supporting SEND pupils. Watching these students flourish through sport and participate in opportunities they might not have had before means everything to us,” Rogers said. “Their growth, both on and off the table, has been remarkable and has positively impacted their confidence and teamwork.”
READ MORE: Emergency Repairs on M50 Following Crash Injuring Eight-Day-Old Baby
READ MORE: Man Arrested in Cheltenham for Secretly Filming Women in Upskirting Incident
Table cricket is an inclusive, adapted format designed for young people with diverse learning and physical disabilities. Played on a table tennis table with a bowling ramp, six-player teams aim to score while avoiding fielders by targeting designated scoring zones.
Beyond the sport, table cricket encourages participants to forge friendships, build independence, and develop key life skills such as leadership and collaboration within a competitive but supportive environment.
Among the excited students was 14-year-old Archie Crowther, who reflected on the experience: “It’s amazing to be here. We’ve never been to Lord’s before, and playing at such a famous venue is something truly special. I’m so glad to have this chance alongside my schoolmates.”
David Gower, former England captain and Lord’s Taverners president, attended the event and praised the spirit and inclusivity of the competition. “The opportunity for these young people to play table cricket here at Lord’s is fantastic. The Lord’s Taverners do extraordinary work, and I’m proud to support their mission.”
The Lord’s Taverners’ vital cricket programmes for young people with disabilities are funded in part by Postcode Lottery players through the Postcode Active Trust, with additional support from the ECB and Sport England. Through these initiatives, Lord’s Taverners delivers free, inclusive cricket experiences that empower young participants to overcome barriers and unlock their true potential.