FAQ

• What are the benefits of the MCC Universities scheme?
• What opportunities will the MCC Universities provide?
• If I already have a county contract, is the UCCE scheme compatible with my county commitments?
• Who are the MCC Universities aimed at?
• Will my cricket ability affect the likelihood of me gaining a place at the institution of my choice?
• If I gain a place at the University/College of my choice, will I automatically gain a place on the UCCE scheme?
• If I am not initially selected for the UCCE, what opportunities will there be for me to continue to improve my cricket so that I may gain a place?
• Where are the 6 Centres based?
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What are the benefits of the MCC Universities scheme?

The scheme gives talented young players an excellent cricketing education to enable them to fulfil their sporting ambitions. At the same time, they can undertake academic or vocational qualifications which will stand them in good stead if they do not make it as professional players or, if they do make it, after retiring from the first-class game.

The scheme has already assisted in the development of current England and first-class cricketers including Monty Panesar (Northants & England), Will Jefferson (Notts), Mark Pettini (Essex) and Nicky Shaw (England women).

What opportunities will the MCC Universities provide?

• High quality cricket facilities (indoor & outdoor).
• A full-time Cricket Coach qualified to ECB level 3 or above who runs a year round cricket academy programme.
• One-to-one / group tuition with video analysis.
• Specialist sessions from visiting coaches including Hawk-eye analysis at Lord’s.
• ECB Coach Education Courses.
• Sports science and medical support.
• 3 games against first-class counties, as well as inter UCCE 2-day, 1-day and Twenty20 competitions.
• Chance to play at Lord's.
• Opportunities to tour overseas with MCC Universities, BUSA or MCC.

If I already have a county contract, is the UCCE scheme compatible with my county commitments?

Yes. Many UCCE squad members are signed with counties. You will remain with the UCCE until 30th June each year but may be released for important county games if the UCCE coach thinks it will help your career. County coaches are very supportive of the scheme and appreciate the intensive cricket programme that the UCCEs provide for their contracted players.

Who are the MCC Universities aimed at?

The MCC Universities are aimed at male cricketers with the potential to play, or who are already playing, first-class cricket, and female cricketers of senior county, regional or England standard.

Will my cricket ability affect the likelihood of me gaining a place at the institution of my choice?

No, admission is by academic qualification only through the normal UCAS route. However, the entry requirements and courses offered by each of the participating institutions are extremely varied, so you should be able to find a course to suit you. The online application form on this website will let the relevant coaches know that you intend to apply to that University but it must not be confused with your UCAS application.

If I gain a place at the University/College of my choice, will I automatically gain a place on the UCCE scheme?

No, admission to the academic institution of your choice does not guarantee a place on the MCC Universities scheme. Trials will be held each year and you should make yourself known to the Head Coach in Freshers Week. Cricketers will have to justify themselves on an annual basis, i.e. those who gain a place in their first year will have to continue to prove that they warrant inclusion in the scheme. Likewise, there will be opportunities for players not initially selected as Centre Members to subsequently prove themselves worthy of a place in the squad. There are normally about 20 players in each Centre's squad.

If I am not initially selected for the UCCE, what opportunities will there be for me to continue to improve my cricket so that I may gain a place?

Each institution has its own cricket team, independent of the UCCE squad, which offers regular playing opportunities for those looking to improve sufficiently to gain a place in the UCCE squad.

Where are the 6 Centres based?

There are six Centres spread around the Country, comprising thirteen academic institutions:

Cambridge Centre
University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University.

Cardiff/Glamorgan Centre
Cardiff University, University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC) and University of Glamorgan.

Durham Centre
University of Durham.

Leeds/Bradford Centre
University of Leeds, Leeds Metropolitan University, University of Bradford, Bradford College.

Loughborough Centre
Loughborough University.

Oxford Centre
Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University.

Further information about participating institutions can be seen on the dedicated pages for each Centre.