Pathway

Welcome to the YCCC Pathway, the cornerstone of Yorkshire Cricket’s future. The Pathway provides aspiring players from across the county with the opportunity to refine their skills, enhance their performance and progress towards the professional game. Through high-quality coaching, competitive match experiences and a supportive development environment, we are dedicated to identifying and nurturing talented cricketers who embody the values and spirit of Yorkshire Cricket, both on and off the field.

At Yorkshire, we recognise that every individual involved in the Pathway is more than just a cricketer — they are a person developing in all aspects of life. The Club is committed to creating a safe, supportive, inclusive and positive environment that promotes holistic growth and wellbeing — physical, mental, social and emotional.

Welfare and wellbeing are not secondary to performance; they are integral to it. By fostering an environment where individuals feel equipped, supported and valued as whole people, the Pathway enables sustained performance, enjoyment and lifelong engagement in cricket and beyond.

James Martin, Head of Pathway

Pathway Handbook

Pathway Framework

Pathway Vision, Aim & Objectives

Meet the Pathway Team

Our Commitment

Following feedback from the February 2026 pulse survey, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive and positive environment for everyone involved. We will be introducing a Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy and ensuring all coaching staff complete annual training, including positive communication with young people, trauma‑informed practice and active bystander training.

We are also developing a clear and accessible “What is a PDP?” factsheet so that players and parents understand what a Personal Development Plan is, why it is used and how it supports each player’s development.

The Club recognise that the talented players moving through our Pathway have the right to train and compete in a safe, healthy and enjoyable environment. Whilst we endeavour to provide fantastic experiences and reward for our players, we know that there are certain factors within elite sports that make young cricketers more vulnerable to abuse and the effects of poor practice coaching. The following factors can contribute to the vulnerability of both young and adult cricketers. The Ann Craft Trust provides more detail on these contributing factors and offer solutions to mitigate risk of abuse.

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Finding the Balance

It can be challenging for young cricketers to find the right balance therefore our coaches work closely with players and families to help maintain and restore a healthy balance. We communicate openly with players and their families, and together we create a schedule that includes training and competitions, revision and exams, as well as time for relaxing and socialising with family and friends. The CPSU offer lots of advice on how best to support talented and elite players.

Support Designed for Young People

There are lots of organisations that exist to support children and young people with their mental health and in times of crisis. More information can be found by visiting the support service links at the bottom of this page.

The safeguarding and welfare of our Pathway players is our highest priority. We are committed to creating an environment where players feel safe, respected and supported. If you have concerns about the welfare or behaviour of a player, coach or staff member, we ask that you share them. All concerns are taken seriously, handled sensitively and managed in line with our safeguarding policies and the ECB’s Safe Hands guidance.

Welfare Concerns

A welfare concern is anything that makes you feel uneasy, worried or unsure about a player’s health, wellbeing, behaviour or safety. This may include:

Signs of emotional distress, anxiety or withdrawal;
Changes in behaviour, mood or participation;
Feeling unsafe or uncomfortable about how someone is treated;
Issues affecting physical health or personal care; or
Anything that “doesn’t feel right”.

Even if you are unsure, it is important to raise the concern. Welfare concerns should be reported to the player’s coach immediately or directly to the Safe and Fair Cricket team via email or Teamworks.

Low-Level Concerns (LLCs)

A Low-Level Concern relates to an adult’s behaviour that does not meet the threshold for a safeguarding referral but may still be inappropriate or inconsistent with the Club’s values, code of conduct or expectations.

Examples include:

Overly familiar language or communication;
Breaches of professional boundaries; and
Failing to follow Club codes of conduct or policies.

Reporting LLCs helps maintain a safe, respectful and positive culture and allows early action before behaviours escalate. Concerns can be reported directly to the Safe and Fair Cricket team via email or our online report form.

Safeguarding Concerns

A safeguarding concern arises when a player may be at risk of harm, abuse or neglect, including:

Physical abuse;
Emotional abuse, including bullying, cyberbullying or harassment;
Neglect; and
Sexual abuse (contact or non-contact).

Safeguarding concerns require immediate attention and are always addressed promptly in line with safeguarding procedures. Report concerns directly to the Safe and Fair Cricket team via email or our online report form. If a player is at immediate risk, contact the Police on 999.

Complaints and Feedback

For any other feedback or to make a complaint, disclosure or report of suspected unethical or illegal behaviour, including reporting discrimination, please refer to our Contact Us page. Information can also be found on how to report directly to the Cricket Regulator.

How to contact Safeguarding through Teamworks?

If you ever have a worry, concern, or just want to talk, you can contact Safeguarding through Teamworks messaging:

1. Open Teamworks

2. Go to Messages

3. Search for YCCC Safeguarding

4. Send a message – someone will get back to you as soon as possible

You can contact safeguarding about anything – no issue is too small.

Pathway Documentation

Safeguarding Documentation

ECB ‘Safe Hands’ Kitbag

Coach Expectations

Communications Protocol