Projects and Volunteering

We are excited to be undertaking our Collection Inventory project. The Digitisation project will take place concurrently, as the inventory project will uncover collection objects that we will digitise and build the YCF’s digital catalogue.
The ultimate aim of this project is to make the digital catalogue available online, to make the data available to all.

If you are interested in taking part in this exciting and important behind-the-scenes volunteering project, please find out more here!

Please note:

This opportunity is closed for applications between October and February.

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The Yorkshire Cricket Museum is open to the cricket-going public for every scheduled match of the men’s or women’s first side. This entails the County Championship, any International match, T20 and Hundred games.

We are pleased to welcome new volunteers to our museum team. If you are interested in getting some customer-facing retail experience, and are passionate about museums, please find out more here.

We currently partner with three university institutions across Yorkshire to deliver engaging and interesting placements for students:

If you are an educational institution that is interested in getting your students involved in our behind-the-scenes heritage work in collections care and research, please get in touch with the Heritage team here.

In 2022, The Yorkshire Cricket Foundation formed a Heritage Advisory Group to work with its Heritage department.

This group is a volunteer, non-executive consultative group that will advise the Heritage Manager on the plans and output of the Department, four times a year. Their remit includes:

The development of the Yorkshire Cricket collection and its museum.
Involvement in outreach work to engage a wide variety of communities with the heritage of cricket, and to grow the collection and research possibilities through these connections.
To identify outreach opportunities within cricket across Yorkshire where Heritage will benefit groups and communities.
Stewardship of the Yorkshire Cricket Archive, both at Headingley Cricket Ground and at West Yorkshire Archive Service in Morley under the guidance of the Heritage Manager.
The delivery of research projects that will benefit the aims of both the museum and the wider outreach aims of the Heritage department, and which will unlock new heritage material by working with communities across Yorkshire.
Other projects where the Heritage Manager will benefit from consultation.

Join us today!

Hear from some of our fantastic volunteers about why they volunteer with the Heritage department at The Yorkshire Cricket Foundation.

Volunteered since?

December 2022

Which project are you involved with?

Collections Inventory

Why did you choose us?

My hope when starting was that by volunteering I could gain valuable knowledge to help me get into heritage work.

Through working with the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, I’ve been given the chance to work with hands-on with a lot of different objects. From learning how to handle fragile pieces to understanding the collections database, its safe to say I’ve learnt lots!

Have you had a favourite moment so far?

My favourite piece I was able to see was the photo from the friendly game between the Leeds Cricket team vs The Vatican’s cricket team. It was honestly a shock and sent me down a rabbit hole trying to find out as much as I could about the game. Still now its an incredible reminder of the relationships and stories inside a single item.

Volunteered since?

November 2023

Which project are you involved with?

Museum interpretative research

Why did you choose us?

I am studying an MA programme in art gallery and museum studies. I would like to know how the museum deals with its collections and runs the museum.

I appreciate the opportunity that the Yorkshire Cricket Museum provided. I can see how the museum deals with its collection, from the collection photography to inserting the images into Excel and recording their details, for example, the label and status. I also have a precious chance to see the objects closely and research the related stories and information behind them.

Have you had a favourite moment so far?

I love the collection of paintings painted by Peter Watson. His paintings exhibit a vibrant, colourful character. Through his paintings, we can see the glory of the game and the records of early cricket matches. Moreover, Peter is an Englishman, and his artworks show that as an Englishman, the country where he grew up has a popular sport, namely cricket.

Volunteered since?

April 2024

Which project are you involved with?

Collections Inventory and Museum Welcome Team.

Why did you choose us?

I joined the Inventory with no knowledge but now having some undertanding the Inventory and Digitalisation is a huge ongoing task, logging all items so the Collection can be fully appreciated. To take care of all objects gifted by the Cricketers themselves or their families knowing they are looked after. Charlotte’s knowledge, training and understanding gives volunteers a chance to take part.

During home games the Museum Welcome Team is a great way to introduce everyone who visits the Ground about Yorkshire Cricket and the Foundation, hopefully leaving with some interesting facts and a friendly chat.

Have you had a favourite moment so far?

Whilst I have not been helping with the Inventory long, it is amazing just how many different objects there are.

A jacket worn by Ray Illingworth with a special note and signature from him will be cared for and appreciated for many years to come.

Which project are you involved with?

Museum Welcome Team and the Heritage Advisory Group.

Why did you choose us?

I volunteer to talk about the memorabilia in the museum. I like talking to people to tell the story of Yorkshire cricket and it’s players.

I have hopefully been able to educate some of the people and make them laugh together.

Have you had a favourite moment so far?

It is great to meet relatives of the ex players.

Which project are you involved with?

Museum Welcome Team and Heritage Advisory Group.

Why did you choose us?

My huge passion is Cricket Heritage and I am excited to share my passion, knowledge and memorabilia within all the diverse areas YCF covers.

We aim to reminisce, educate, enthuse and inspire all generations as to how cricket can be an important component in their life story. Past, Present, Future (or All !!)

Have you had a favourite moment so far?

I enjoy welcoming and meeting ALL visitors to the Museum and volunteering with some fantastic, dedicated, friendly volunteers with a wide range of skills waiting to welcome YOU!

Projects and Volunteering