In this article, we look back at the impactful partnership between the MCC, ECB, and UK universities over the years.
UK university cricket programs have long been a breeding ground for budding cricketers, offering talented players a unique opportunity to balance their academic pursuits with their passion for the game.
The collaboration between prestigious institutions, cricketing authorities, and governing bodies has played a pivotal role in creating an environment conducive to the growth and development of talent.
Find out how Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have helped shaped the landscape of cricket within universities below.
A timeline of the UK University Cricket Programme
Over the years, the university cricket programs in the UK have undergone significant transformations, adapting to the changing needs and aspirations of talented student-athletes.
We look at how the program has changed since its inception in 2000 to the present day below.
2000 – 2004
Beginning of University Centres of Cricketing Excellence (UCCE)
The current UK university cricket programme was initially set up as the University Centres of Cricketing Excellence (UCCE) by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2000.
The UCCE Scheme was started to ensure that the best young cricketers were encouraged to go into further education by providing them with the best possible opportunities to develop their cricket while studying at university.
Before the official launch of the scheme, the first UCCE, Durham, served as a testing ground for several years and played a crucial role in fast-tracking the progress of numerous former First-Class cricketers, among them former England captain, Sir Andrew Strauss.
With many players involved in the county game being products of the UCCE setup, the programme made a substantial and influential contribution to the growth and success of professional cricket in the UK.
2004 – 2020
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCCU) Scheme
From 2004 to 2020, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) cricket programme funded all six university cricket centres. As a result, the teams adopted the title of MCCU.
The MCCU scheme played a crucial part in nurturing cricketing talent and promoting the growth of university cricket while providing students with invaluable opportunities for development and exposure.
Throughout their funding, the MCC invested over £7.5 million across all six MCCUs and provided players with top-level coaching, state-of-the-art training facilities, and competitive opportunities.
By 2018, a total of eighteen MCCU cricketers had earned the honor of representing their respective countries on the international stage, while an impressive 119 players had successfully secured coveted first-class county contracts, further highlighting the program’s role in facilitating pathways to professional cricket.
2020 – Present
Return to UCCE with England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
In July 2020, the running of the MCCU scheme was passed back to the ECB.
The ECB’s continuation of the MCCU scheme has allowed student cricketers to continue benefiting from its offerings and ensured the ongoing growth and success of university cricket in the UK.
All six teams returned to UCCE status and have continued to provide student cricketers with invaluable opportunities for growth, development, and competitive cricket within the university system.
Who are the UCCE teams?
Each UCCE team below is affiliated with specific partner institutions, which provide the academic foundation for the student-athletes involved in the cricket program.
- Cardiff UCCE
- Leeds/Bradford UCCE
- Loughborough UCCE
- Durham UCCE
- Oxford UCCE
- Cambridge UCCE
Cardiff UCCE
Leeds/Bradford UCCE
Loughborough UCCE
Durham UCCE
Oxford UCCE
Cambridge UCCE
All six teams are comprised of incredibly talented cricketers, who compete in the BUCS Premier National Division during the regular season.
Players have also gained invaluable experience through competitive fixtures against esteemed county sides. These fixtures serve as a valuable testing ground, where students can showcase their talents and experience a realistic and challenging environment that prepares them for the highest levels of the sport.
A Quick Guide to First Class UK University Cricket
| What does UCCE stand for? | University Centre of Cricketing Excellence. |
| How many UCCE teams are there? | 6. |
| Where are the UCCE teams located? | The six UCCE teams are currently located in Cambridge, Cardiff, Durham, Leeds/Bradford, Loughborough, and Oxford. |
| What does MCCU stand for? | Marylebone Cricket Club University. |
| What is the difference between an MCCU and a UCCE? | There isn’t! Over the years, teams have used different names based on the partnership with university cricket at the time. With ECB currently funding the scheme, teams are now titled UCCE. |
A Quick Guide to First Class UK University Cricket
What does UCCE stand for?
University Centre of Cricketing Excellence.
How many UCCE teams are there?
6.
Where are the UCCE teams located?
The six UCCE teams are currently located in Cambridge, Cardiff, Durham, Leeds/Bradford, Loughborough, and Oxford.
What does MCCU stand for?
Marylebone Cricket Club University.
What is the difference between an MCCU and a UCCE?
There isn’t! Over the years, teams have used different names based on the partnership with university cricket at the time. With ECB currently funding the scheme, teams are now titled UCCE.
How we can help you attend a University Centre of Cricketing Excellence
The Student Sport Company is devoted to helping talented student cricketers in their search for the perfect university, where they can balance their academic pursuits while actively participating in competitive cricket.
We have strong working relationships with institutions partnered with UCCE teams that allow students to experience elite-level cricket alongside their studies.
Whilst the six UCCE teams represent the highest level of university cricket, our extensive network and partnerships with universities across the UK enable us to connect you with teams that align with your skill level and aspirations.
Our knowledgeable team works closely with university staff to understand your needs, ensuring we can guide you toward the ideal cricket opportunity alongside your academic pursuits.
Learn more about UK university cricket or register your details for our FREE service via the links below to see how we can assist you in finding the cricket opportunity that best suits your interests, skills, and university commitments.
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