Why Sport Matters – For Young People and for Oxfordshire

It was a real pleasure to spend time this week exploring the importance of sport in equipping young people for life, at the launch of Oxfordshire Cricket’s new and ambitious strategy.

Held at St Edward’s School – an important and much-valued partner – the event brought together people who care deeply about cricket not simply as a game, but as a powerful force for inclusion, confidence, teamwork and aspiration.

Oxfordshire Cricket’s strategy for 2025–2028 is framed around a clear and compelling ambition: to make cricket open for all. The four strategic pillars – engaging and inspiring participation, accelerating opportunities for women and girls, empowering players and leaders, and building a sustainable future for the game – speak directly to many of the issues I hear when listening to young people across the county.

What struck me most was the emphasis on removing barriers. Whether through school-based hubs, community programmes, bursaries, leadership pathways or volunteer development, this is a strategy that recognises that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Sport, done well, can help level that playing field – offering structure, belonging, resilience and a sense of possibility.

There is also a strong alignment here with wider conversations about wellbeing, identity and early intervention. Cricket – like many sports – creates spaces where young people learn how to win and lose with grace, how to work with others who are different from them, and how to develop confidence in their own voice. Those life skills matter every bit as much as runs scored or wickets taken.

My thanks to Oxfordshire Cricket for the invitation, and to St Edward’s School for hosting such a thoughtful and forward-looking launch. I very much look forward to seeing this strategy translated into lived experience for young people in every corner of Oxfordshire.