Welcome to the Sissinghurst Cricket Club Junior Section. We run a comprehensive hardball and softball cricket programme for boys and girls from Under 9 to Under 18 which is fully accredited by the ECB.

Established some ten years ago we now have over 150 junior members. All our age groups are managed and coached by ECB qualified and DBS compliant coaches which creates a real consistency to our programme through a player’s informative years.

Pre-season nets, for our boys and girls hardball cricketers from Under 11’s to Under 18’s, usually start in late January on a Sunday evening at Benenden School sports hall. The outdoor season commences in late April with Sunday morning coaching sessions and a full programme of League, Cup and Festival cricket for both our boys and girls. All our older members are encouraged to participate in our Senior teams on either a Saturday or a Sunday. 

Our coaches and administrative teams are all volunteers who give up a huge amount of their free time to make our Junior Section one of the best in Kent. We are fully inclusive and try our very best to offer cricket to all levels of ability. That being said we are hugely proud of all our members who achieve Area and County level representation and make no excuses for the fact that our teams play in competitive League and Cup competitions.

Full information on our Mission Statement, Core Values and Membership etc can be found in the links below.

Please enquire, by email, for availability before completing the Membership Form.

Lewis Clift – Head of Junior Cricket at Sissinghurst Cricket Club

Junior Cricket Season Review 2026

The 2026 season has been another landmark year for junior cricket at Sissinghurst Cricket Club, with continued growth across the programme and success both on and off the field.

From our winter training sessions at St Ronan’s and Benenden School through to a packed summer fixture list at the club, the season has showcased the outstanding commitment of our players, coaches, volunteers and families. With strong participation numbers across all age groups and increasing standards throughout the section, junior cricket at Sissinghurst continues to go from strength to strength.

Success Across the Age Groups

There was plenty to celebrate during the 2026 campaign.

In the boys’ section, both our Under-11 Hardball and Under-11 Incrediball teams completed unbeaten league seasons, winning their respective competitions in impressive fashion. The Under-11 Incrediball side also achieved a memorable league-and-cup double by lifting the Cup Final trophy at Sutton Valence School in August.

The Under-13 Whites enjoyed another exceptional season, winning every league fixture home and away to secure the Division 1 title by a significant margin.

The girls’ section also enjoyed a breakthrough year. Competing in the Invicta League for the first time, our Under-13 girls won the league title after securing victory in seven of their eight matches. The Under-15 girls continued their development impressively, finishing third in their league and establishing themselves as strong competitors at county level.

Our youngest players also excelled. Three Under-9 teams qualified for the Weald of Kent Junior Kwik Cricket Finals at Marden, a fantastic achievement in itself. The highlight of the day came when the Sissinghurst A Team lifted the Cup competition trophy, ensuring the shield returned to the club for another year.

Pathways and Player Development

While team success is always welcome, one of the most encouraging aspects of the season has been the increasing number of Sissinghurst players representing district, county and pathway programmes.

The club remains committed to creating an environment where young cricketers can develop their skills, confidence and enjoyment of the game. The growing number of players progressing into representative cricket is a reflection of the hard work of our coaching team and the dedication shown by our young players throughout the year.

The People Behind the Success

A thriving junior section relies on far more than results alone, and the club owes a huge debt of gratitude to the many volunteers who make junior cricket possible.

Our coaching team continue to give their time, expertise and enthusiasm every week, helping players improve while fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all ages and abilities.

Special recognition must go to Ben Stinton, whose leadership of girls’ cricket continues to drive remarkable progress within the section. The success of our girls’ teams in the Invicta Leagues is testament to the outstanding work being carried out under his guidance.

Thanks also go to Giles Robinson for his contribution both on and off the field, including the hugely popular Friday fielding sessions, and to Daryl Lloyd for overseeing memberships, administration and the countless behind-the-scenes tasks that keep the junior section running smoothly.

Parents, Volunteers and Young Leaders

The continued success of junior cricket at Sissinghurst would not be possible without the support of our parents and volunteers.

Whether providing transport to matches, helping at club events, assisting with registration, working behind the bar or supporting fundraising initiatives, their contribution is invaluable.

A particularly encouraging feature of the 2026 season has been the involvement of several of our older junior players who have regularly volunteered at training sessions and club activities. Their willingness to support the next generation of players reflects the strong club culture that exists throughout Sissinghurst.

The club would also like to thank everyone who contributed to registration, fundraising activities and the successful car boot sales held throughout the year.

New Faces Making a Difference

Two new additions have made an immediate impact during the 2026 season.

Helen Harding has played a vital role across safeguarding, registrations, DBS administration and overall organisation. Her hard work ensures the club remains safe, welcoming and professionally managed.

Robin Campbell has become an integral member of the volunteer team, assisting with administration, communications, registration and fundraising, while also helping establish the club’s growing Ladies Cricket section.

Both have quickly become valued members of the Sissinghurst family.

The Heartbeat of the Club

No review of the season would be complete without recognising the efforts of the grounds team.

The quality of the playing surfaces enjoyed by all our junior teams is the result of countless hours of work and dedication. Their commitment ensures that players benefit from some of the finest facilities in the region throughout the season.

Our sincere thanks go to Giles Kennedy, Mike Burgess, Jonathan Gurr and Graham White for everything they do for the club.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 season has delivered trophies, league titles and memorable performances, but perhaps more importantly it has given hundreds of young cricketers the opportunity to learn, develop friendships and enjoy the game in a positive environment.

As the season comes to a close, everyone at Sissinghurst Cricket Club can look back with pride on what has been achieved.

Thank you to all our players, coaches, parents, volunteers and supporters for making 2026 such a special year.

We look forward to building on this success and welcoming everyone back for an even bigger and better 2027 season. 🏏