Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) is delighted to announce a new multi-year partnership with NIC Services Group LTD, who will continue to support the Club’s pledge of providing free kit for all players in the Yorkshire pathway system.
The partnership will assist in helping remove financial barriers to make the pathway system inclusive for all, and as part of the collaboration, the Leeds-based company, will have their brand emblazoned on the front of Yorkshire’s County Age Group teams and extended to the regional teams from 2025.
Stephen Vaughan, Chief Executive Officer for YCCC, said: “I am delighted with our new partnership with NIC Services Group LTD whose sponsorship is helping to make the pathway system more accessible for young players in Yorkshire.
“The talent pathway system at Yorkshire is thriving and we are confident that such support will help us to increase the opportunity for all players at the grassroots level.”
Yorkshire County Cricket Club First XI, Academy, EPP and Pathway Girls Team Picture.Since the start of 2022, YCCC has been focused on building the pathway programme to make sure that it is accessible, affordable, and fair. This includes measures to increase access for those from lower income households, including removal of match fees, the provision of kit free of charge, winter coaching provided free of charge and the creation of an accessible hardship fund for those that require further financial support.
Last year saw a 45% increase in attendees for regional observations in the Boys County Age Group performance pathway, since 2022, with 30% in participants from a diverse background and 71% from state schools. There was a 140% increase in participation in observations in the Girls County Age Group with 18% from a diverse background and 82% from state schools.
James Martin, YCCC’s Head of Performance Pathway, said: “Our Performance Pathway has been a key building block in ensuring we can encourage greater access to cricket and deliver on our vision creating a Club which is truly welcoming and inclusive for the next generation.
“We are conscious that the results we have seen so far are foundations to be built on. There remains much work to be done to tackle what is a key issue for the Club and wider game. Nevertheless, we are proud of the clear, demonstrable progress that is being made and we are absolutely delighted that NIC have come on board to support the pathway.”
NIC, who are also the Club’s main front of shirt sponsor for the Vitality County Championship, is one of the largest privately owned facility management providers in the country, employing over 8000 people throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe.
NIC provides cleaning, catering, security, pest control and waste management through 40 operational centres across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
Yorkshire’s Performance Pathway young players pose for pictures after their honorary lap, at the Vitality Blast – Yorkshire Vikings v Birmingham Bears clash at Headingley last year.
NIC was recently named in the Financial Times’ 1,000 Fastest growing companies in Europe for the second year running due to its significant revenue growth. Other accolades have included being recognised for the second year running by the London Stock Exchange as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’.
John Spencer, Group Chairman at NIC Services Group LTD said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Yorkshire and to extend our partnership and support into this great club’s Talent Pathway system.
“On a personal level I have supported the club since I was a young boy. My family and I have so many great memories and friends through our involvement with Yorkshire County Cricket Club, and the club has a very special place in our hearts.”
