Junior Beginners Academy (Reception – Year 2)
Where a Lifelong Love for Sports Begins.
Designed specifically for Reception to Year 2 children, our Junior Beginners Academy blends fundamental athletic movement with high-energy cricket games. We focus on building agility, spatial awareness, and confidence in a fun, pressure-free environment.
More Than Just Cricket — Building Fundamental Movement
In Reception to Year 2, children don't learn best through repetitive technical drills—they thrive through play, discovery, and active encouragement. Inspired by the best early-years sports frameworks, our curriculum uses specialized soft equipment, colorful target games, and imaginative story-driven drills.
Every 90-minute session is structured to develop core physical literacy skills that carry over into all sports: agility, hand-eye coordination, balance, spatial judgment, and active teamwork.
Agility & Balance
Multi-directional footwork, spatial games, and movement coordination.
Hand-Eye Mastery
Tracking soft balls, catching mechanics, and striking targets.
Teamwork & Social Skills
High-fives, listening habits, taking turns, and building initial squad friendships.
Confidence First
Zero pressure, celebrating small wins, and making sure every single child leaves with a smile.
Inside a Typical Session
A perfectly paced 90-minute format designed to keep 5-to-7-year-olds continuously active, engaged, and energized without losing focus:
Welcome & High-Energy Warm-Up
Dynamic agility obstacle courses, tag games, and movement challenges to build heat and focus.
Skill Stations (Catching, Throwing & Striking)
Small group stations (max 6 kids per coach) rotating through target throwing, reaction catching with softballs, and tee-striking.
Hydration & Social Break
Supervised water break where coaches engage kids with quick, fun cricket quizzes and team-building chat.
Mini-Match Games & Scenario Play
Fun, fast-paced games where everyone gets to bat, bowl, and field multiple times with soft equipment.
The Final Challenge & Weekly Celebrations
Team target-smashing challenge, sticker awards for effort and sportsmanship, and the classic squad huddle.
World-Class Venues & Total Safety
Autumn & Winter Venue
Held inside the spacious, climate-controlled sports halls at Haberdashers' Boys' School in Elstree—ensuring zero cancelled sessions due to rain or cold.
Summer Venue
Grass outfield and specialized training grids at Haberdashers' School campus and Croxdale Road.
Equipment Provided
Everything is 100% provided! We use specialized foam/rubber softballs, lightweight plastic bats, and colorful soft targets.
What to Wear
Just comfortable trainers and standard sports clothes. No expensive cricket whites needed.
Parental Peace of Mind
Parents of Reception–Y2 players are required to stay on-site, relax in our spectator zones, and watch their children flourish.
Transparent Termly Pricing
No large upfront annual fee — just three clear termly installments. Everything below is included in your membership.
Membership Perks & Discounts
Sibling Discount
A £30 membership credit is automatically applied for each additional sibling enrolled in our academy programs.
Exclusive Pro Equipment Discounts
Academy members receive exclusive member-only discount codes on all bats, equipment, and protective gear from world-leading cricket brands Millichamp & Hall and Gray-Nicolls.
Inclusive Cricket Access Grant
Old Haberdashers CC is committed to ensuring cricket is accessible to all children regardless of financial circumstances. Confidential support and fee bursaries are available upon request to the Junior Committee.
Ready to Start Your Child's Cricket Journey?
Spaces for our Reception–Y2 cohorts are strictly limited to maintain our 1:10 coach-to-player ratio.