Inspiring children to lead healthy active lives through sport & countryside education

• Providing sports and countryside education opportunities and new experiences for primary schools within a 30-mile radius of Belvoir Castle and Provide supported education for young people with Special Needs through sport and countryside activities
• Deliver professional cricket and basketball coaching in primary schools to enhance their PE curriculum, giving Continued Professional Development for teaching staff to enhance their delivery
• Give children the opportunity to participate in community cricket and basketball to develop healthy lifestyles
• Work with local cricket and basketball clubs to develop junior participation by providing qualified coaching, volunteer training and hands-on coaching and administration experience
• Engage children and families to participate in sport, targeting rural communities and market towns.
• To develop young people and adults, giving them the opportunity to be able to give something back by becoming a volunteer in their local community

Statement on Racism

The Belvoir Cricket and Countryside Trust is deeply concerned by recent reports alleging multiple incidents of racist abuse at professional cricket clubs in England. We recognise the influential role that clubs like Yorkshire and Essex County Cricket Club play within the global cricket ecosystem.

As a Charity involved heavily in cricket, we understand that many of our supporters will be concerned, disappointed, and angered by these revelations, the example it sets to young cricketers around the world, and by the impotent response from many of the sport’s most influential personalities and institutions.

It is becoming clearer by the day that cricket in England faces a reckoning regarding racism, racist abuse, and widespread tolerance of toxic, discriminatory, and exclusionary behavior by some of its professional players and coaches, past and present.

We welcome the reports of ongoing investigations and the rightful resignation of those who have
failed to uphold their responsibilities.

In our continued collective fight against inequality in all its forms, it’s time to confront the inconvenient truth that simply reacting to incidents of discrimination will not create an inclusive, non-discriminatory culture within sport.

In cricket, and in sport more widely, we must recognise that equality is not just the absence of discrimination but the presence of values and systems that ensure fairness, access, and opportunity for all; no matter who you are, where you come from, or what your background might be.

We, at the Belvoir Cricket and Countryside Trust, implore all stakeholders involved in cricket to go beyond the usual surface-scratching investigations, resignations, and grandstanding policy reviews; and instead, look for meaningful ways for the sport at all levels to engage with, and live true to its stated values and ideals.

“This was an absolutely fantastic day – it was  incredibly well organised. The children were able to enjoy so many different experiences that they would not usually be able to access! A massive thank you from us all and we can’t wait to return next year!”
– Issac Newton Primary School

“We have missed the last couple of years, but it was a really well organised day with new activities which was great and all the children loved it! Superb day.”
– Huntingtower Primary School

“Fantastic location, very well organised and great coaches. The children were all involved and enjoyed a great rotation of activities.”
– Grove Primary School

“My daughter and niece have been coming to the Belvoir Bees for the last two years and the fun they have make it their highlight of the week. Thanks to Neil, Darren and the other coaches for putting on such great sessions!”
– Olly Clayfield: Belvoir Bees parent

Our Current Facility

Each year we work with over 4,000 children but sadly we are held back by our current facilities.

The pavilion at Knipton is tired, in disrepair and an eyesore in the beautiful estate grounds. It has no disabled facilities, little indoor space when it rains and such poor toilets that we have to hire Portaloos.

Our New Building and Our Future

Toilets and changing facilities suitable for our disabled children.

An indoor hall so we can deliver our programmes all year round regardless of the weather.

A facility to be proud of and be able to invite the community to share.

I am delighted that following considerable work with Historic England and other agencies we have secured unanimous planning permission for the new facility. The hard work really begins now as we look to raise the necessary funds to begin building.

The new building will transform our charity’s future and our work making a real difference to young people’s lives as we look to the next decade and beyond. We will be able to deliver our programmes to thousands more children each year, achieving our targets for diversity and inclusion.

Our ambitions are shaped by the need to alleviate obesity, social isolation, and mental health
issues in our young people, all of which have increased due to COVID-19.

For further information, or to donate, or suggest a fundraising idea please contact:

Darren Bicknell – 07825 992406
darren@bcct.org.uk