FAQ

• What are the benefits of the MCCU scheme?
• What opportunities will the MCCU provide?
• If I already have a county contract, is the MCCU 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 MCCU scheme?
• If I am not initially selected for the MCCU, what opportunities will there be for me to continue to improve my cricket so that I may gain a place?
• Where are the 6 MCCUs 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 MCCU 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 MCCU scheme compatible with my county commitments?

Yes. Many MCCU squad members are signed with counties. You will remain with the MCCU until 30th June each year but may be released for important county games if the MCCU
coach thinks it will help your career. County coaches are very supportive of the scheme and appreciate the intensive cricket programme that the MCCUs 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 MCCU 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 squad Members to subsequently prove themselves worthy of a place. There are normally about 20 players in each MCCU's squad.

If I am not initially selected for the MCCU, 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 MCCU squad, which offers regular playing opportunities for those looking to improve sufficiently to gain a place in the MCCU squad.

Where are the 6 MCCUs based?

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

Cambridge MCCU
University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University.

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

Durham MCCU
University of Durham.

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

Loughborough MCCU
Loughborough University.

Oxford MCCU
Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University.

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