Southern Enterprise Awards 2025!

Following a merit-led research and evaluation process Folkestone Cricket Club has been recognised as the deserving recipient of the Most Inclusive Community Cricket Club 2025 in Kent.

The Southern Enterprise Awards celebrate the ambition, innovation, and resilience of SMEs across the South. These businesses are the backbone of one of the UK’s most dynamic regions, driving growth, creating opportunities, and delivering remarkable results that often go unseen. Our goal is to shine a spotlight on these enterprises, recognising their achievements and rewarding the dedication that fuels their success.

Folkestone Cricket Club stands out as a truly inclusive community hub, offering cricket opportunities for people of all ages, genders, and abilities. Rooted in a rich history dating back to 1856, the club has evolved into a welcoming environment that reflects the diversity and spirit of the Folkestone area.

With five senior teams, a thriving junior section, a growing girls’ only section, a newly formed women’s section, walking cricket and disability cricket, there’s something for everyone here.

The history of FCC shows that the club has provided talented players for over 155 years. In the long line of players that have played for Kent in recent years Robbie Joseph, Geraint Jones & James Tredwell have carried the club colours forward with pride and have played a part in coaching here.

One of the club’s most celebrated features is its thriving junior programme, which caters to children from as young as six years old. These sessions are designed not only to teach cricketing skills but also to foster teamwork, confidence, and a love for sport. Coaches focus on creating a fun and safe environment where children of all backgrounds can thrive, regardless of prior experience. This early engagement helps build lifelong connections to sport and community.

Folkestone Cricket Club also champions gender inclusivity, with dedicated sessions for girls and women. These initiatives aim to break down barriers that have traditionally limited female participation in cricket. By offering tailored coaching and match opportunities, the club empowers women and girls to develop their skills, compete, and enjoy the game in a supportive setting. The presence of female role models and coaches further strengthens the club’s commitment to equality and representation.

A particularly inspiring aspect of the club’s inclusivity is its support for Walking Cricket, a slower-paced version of the game designed for older adults and those with varying levels of fitness and mobility.
Participants not only enjoy the physical benefits of gentle exercise but also the social connection that comes from sharing tea and conversation after each game. This initiative is a powerful example of how sport can combat isolation and promote mental well-being.

In addition to age and gender inclusivity, Folkestone Cricket Club actively supports disability cricket, ensuring that individuals with physical and learning disabilities have access to meaningful sporting experiences. The club works closely with organisations like the Kent Cricket Community Trust to provide adapted sessions and resources that meet the needs of disabled players. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to removing barriers and making cricket accessible to all.

The club’s ethos is built around community, respect, and opportunity. Whether you’re a child picking up a bat for the first time, a woman returning to sport, an older adult seeking connection, or someone with additional needs looking for a place to belong, Folkestone Cricket Club offers a welcoming space where everyone can participate and grow.