The Friendly Cricket Collective
We use cricket to bring people together by opening up fun, friendly, low-commitment alternatives to traditional club cricket.
Why we exist
There are millions of adults who like cricket but don't play.We're on a mission to change this by opening up sociable, low-commitment alternatives to league cricket and designing the game into community life.We build communities so people can enjoy cricket as part of busy work and family life.
Friendly Cricket in South Bristol
We started out by creating the kind of sociable cricket we wanted in South Bristol but couldn't find. It began with a one-off game for parents at Victoria Park Primary School and has grown into a thriving community, a social side, regular nets sessions, meet-ups and matches.
South Bristol Friendly Cricket Community
A community not a club!Joining a club can be daunting, even if you really enjoy playing cricket. We love the game but wanted an informal alternative, which is why we've set up our Friendly Cricket Community in South Bristol.Our main WhatsApp group is where you'll find all the details on upcoming games, nets sessions, socials and more. It's the hub for organizing things and connecting with other members of our community.
Friendly Cricket Nets
Want to enjoy cricket without the commitment of joining a club? Our friendly net sessions are the perfect solution.We've designed our sessions to be completely hassle-free, fitting around your busy schedule. All you need to do is click the link below to book your spot. We'll handle everything else—from booking the facilities to providing the equipment and promoting the session to other like-minded players.It's an open concept where anyone can book and play. Simple as that.Click the link below to view upcoming sessions in Bristol.
Mix & Match Cricket
Mix & Match Cricket is the perfect way to play informal, friendly games without the pressure of a full-day match.We take care of everything—just sign up, and we'll create balanced teams from the players who've signed up.It's a great opportunity to meet new people and enjoy the game in a relaxed, social setting.View upcoming dates below 👇
South Bristol Sundries
A nomadic cricket team that allows us to play midweek and Sunday friendlies in the Bristol area. Fancy a few games without committing to play regularly then get in touch via
[email protected].You can also view the fixtures schedule below 👇
Across Bristol
We believe cricket can bring every
Bristol community together. We're always looking to do more to connect with people across the city...
Creating new cricket communities
We believe every neighborhood deserves to have friendly cricket communities. Groups that offer alternatives to traditional club cricket.These can be at their best when they help strengthen social bonds within existing communities and get people playing again.We're actively looking to support new groups formed around parks, primary schools, pubs, faith groups, neighborhood and street groups.If you're interested in getting a friendly group together for one-off game or something longer-term, do get in touch. We can help you get things going with minimal fuss, maximum fun.
Get your game on
Looking to set up a fun, social cricket match for a group of colleagues, neighbours or a social group?We organise friendly games for groups of all levels. From primary school parents to work colleagues or neighbourly groups.... we handle everything: venue, equipment, inclusive rules, and even an opposing team. Once you've gathered a willing group of people just bring your enthusiasm, and we'll handle the rest! Email us to discuss what you're after.We can do small-sided indoor friendlies in winter and then back outdoors from April to September[email protected]
Casual Cricket Cluster
We support and connect local cricket groups formed amongst friends, primary school parents, work colleagues or parks and other places to play.The Victoria Park parent group was the first of these, and since then we've started linking together a cluster of similar groups that include Extras CC, Bristol Casual Cricket and a couple more parent groups from local schools.We help these groups organise the casual cricket that suits them, including nets, matches and meetups. Sometimes activities bring members of different groups together.If you'd like to find out more about these groups, or you'd like to start something of your own, then please get in touch.[email protected]
Primary Parent Cricket
We started out with a group of mums and dads at our local primary school. Cricket has been brilliant for building social connections with fellow parents and building a meaningful community around a shared interest.Together with the Googly Fund, we're looking to grow Primary Parent Cricket. If you'd like to get a parent team together at your school, we can offer some seed funding to help you set up an inaugural match.Find out more by emailing [email protected]NB: Victoria Park parents will happily provide an opposition if you get group together.
Primary Parent Cricket Day
Getting a whole team together might seem daunting, so we're planning to host a friendly cricket day that brings parents together from different primary schools.If you're interested in giving the game a go with like-minded folks, then click the link below to express your interest 👇
Under the Radar
The bowling speeds of top players are well known, but casual cricketers typically go under the radar.We're curious to know the pace in village cricket, so we've started running sociable speed tracking sessions.If you've ever wondered what speeds you bowl, or how your pace compares to your team mates (or opponents).. get in touch to book a session with our pocket radar. Warnings: egos maybe squished.
Cricket in the City
Exploring Bristol's public spaces one game at a time. We're testing out different places and working out where's good to play. This includes parks, city squares, ball courts, roof tops and a few hidden gems.Take a look at the video from our first outing via the arrow below, and get in touch if you're interested in street cricket next time. We have an active community that enjoy meeting up to play.
Nationwide
It's not all about Bristol. Here's what's going on elsewhere.
Friendly Cricket Map
We've started mapping all the alternatives to commitment-heavy league cricket. View the map or add to it here.
The Old Grumblers
A nomadic cricket team celebrating 20th year. Formed on Clapham Common during 2005 Ashes the team are still loosely based in London and south east England. The OGs play occasional Sunday friendlies and like to tour. New players always welcome. Ability not a pre-requisite.[email protected]
The Trundlers Club
The Trundlers Club is a celebration of village bowling. We've been measuring bowling speeds to satisfy our own curiosity and started posting these online for all to see.
See the 'leaderboard' by clicking below