Oxfordshire Cricket has been granted registered charity status following a successful application to the Charity Commission, a move the board says will unlock new funding, broaden community programmes and strengthen support for clubs and volunteers across the county.
Announcing the change at a launch event for its 2025–2028 strategy, the organisation said charitable status gives it a clearer community purpose and a stronger platform to expand participation, education and youth leadership in cricket.
Nick Pinhol, Managing Director, Oxfordshire Cricket:
“Being officially recognised as a registered charity is a hugely important moment for Oxfordshire Cricket. It strengthens our ability to invest in the game at every level and ensures that everything we do is focused on delivering clear community benefit. This status will help us reach more people, support more clubs and volunteers, and make cricket more accessible across Oxfordshire.”
The event, introduced by a video from BBC Test Match Special broadcaster Henry Moeran, brought together clubs, schools, partners, volunteers and young people to set out the strategy’s vision, priorities and human impact.
What changes with charity status (in practice)
- Gift Aid: eligible personal donations can be boosted by 25% at no extra cost to donors.
- Wider grants: simpler access to Sport England, Lottery and foundation funding.
- Volunteer support: better structure for training, recognition and retention.
- Public benefit focus: programmes centred on participation, education and wellbeing.
- Governance: trustees and clear charitable objects, with annual reporting on the register.
Peter Tervet, Chair, Oxfordshire Cricket:
“This is a proud moment for everyone involved. The move to charitable status reflects our commitment to strong governance, transparency and long-term sustainability. It gives us the structure we need to safeguard the future of the game in Oxfordshire and to ensure we are always working in the best interests of the cricketing community.”
2025–2028 targets
Oxfordshire Cricket has set headline KPIs to track progress over the next three years:
- Engage 35,000+ children through school and community programmes.
- Increase the number of volunteers by 30%.
- Grow junior participation by 20%.
- Train 150 new female coaches.
Reporting: progress will be published against these measures, with an annual impact update.
Young people’s voice: Oxfordshire Youth Board
A key announcement at the launch was the creation of the Oxfordshire Youth Board, giving young people a direct voice in decision-making, programme design and communications.
- Who: young representatives from clubs and schools across the county.
- What they’ll do: advise on participation priorities, facilities and comms; sit on project panels.
Safeguarding & inclusion
- ECB-aligned safeguarding policies and a named County Safeguarding Officer.
- Targeted pathways for women & girls, disability cricket, and support for lower-income families (kit grants/fee assistance).
- Club welfare-officer network, DBS, Safe Hands training and regular refreshers.
How we got here
- In October, members voted at a Special General Meeting to apply for charity status.
The successful application marks the latest chapter in a long county history:
- The Oxfordshire Cricket Board formed in 1996 from the county club and county association.
- County cricket in Oxfordshire is recorded as early as 1779 (vs Berkshire), with a county club existing by 1787.
- Oxfordshire was a founder member of the Minor Counties Cricket Association in 1895; after folding in 1906, the county club was resurrected in 1921, competing in what is now the National Counties Cricket Championship.
What happens next
With charitable status in place and a three-year strategy agreed, Oxfordshire Cricket says it will expand school and community programmes, grow volunteering, and support clubs county-wide — while measuring delivery against the published KPIs and reporting progress publicly.
Get involved
- Clubs & schools: enquire about All Stars/Dynamos, school programmes and club support.
- Volunteer: coaching, scoring, safeguarding, team-managing or events — training provided.
- Coach pathway: dates for ECB Foundation/Level 2 courses; bursaries for women & girls and under-represented groups.
- Donate/Partner: one-off or regular giving (Gift Aid enabled when live); partnership opportunities with clear community outcomes.
Clubs, schools and volunteers interested in programmes or support are invited to contact Oxfordshire Cricket through its usual channels.
