Leicestershire CCC Named Finalist at 2025 ECB Business of Cricket Awards

Leicestershire County Cricket Club has been shortlisted for the ‘Unifying the Game - Recreational & Community Initiative of the Year’ at the ECB Business of Cricket Awards 2025, in recognition of its long-standing partnership with the Lionheart Educational Trust.

Since its launch in 2021, the collaboration has redefined how sport, education, and community engagement can work together - inspiring thousands of young people across Leicester and Leicestershire through cricket.

At the heart of the initiative lies the Lionheart x LCCC Kit Design Competition, which invited students from across the Trust’s 14 schools to design the Foxes’ new T20 shirt for the 2025 Vitality Blast season. The competition received over 1,000 entries, with the winning design now set to be worn by the Leicestershire Foxes on the national stage next summer.

The partnership has also delivered coaching sessions led by professional players, matchday experiences at the Uptonsteel County Ground, volunteering and career opportunities for sixth-form students, and exclusive ticket offers ensuring that cricket remains accessible for all.

Together, these initiatives have empowered over 5,000 students to take part in cricketing activities, while engaging more than 12,000 people - including parents and local communities - through events and matchday experiences.

Emma White, CEO of Leicestershire County Cricket Club, said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised as finalists at this year’s Business of Cricket Awards. Our partnership with the Lionheart Educational Trust showcases the power of cricket to unite communities, inspire creativity, and open doors for young people both on and off the field. Seeing a student’s design become the official Foxes T20 kit for 2025 is a perfect example of how this initiative celebrates imagination, opportunity, and inclusion.”

Neil Lewis,  Head of Enterprise of Lionheart Educational Trust said: "For us to be named a finalist is a proud moment and a true reflection of the outstanding collaboration, passion, and dedication shown by everyone at LCCC and the Lionheart Educational Trust. From impactful programmes to unforgettable experiences, this partnership continues to deliver real, lasting benefits for children and young people across our primary and secondary schools. Congratulations to everyone involved since 2022 - let’s keep inspiring through the power of sport and education"

The Lionheart Educational Trust partnership continues to go from strength to strength, providing students with unforgettable opportunities that combine education, sport, and creativity, and exemplifying how collaboration can build stronger, more connected communities through cricket.