As England and Wales prepare to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 this summer, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a flagship national conference to accelerate the growth of the game. The Metro Bank Girls in Cricket Fund Network Live 2026 will take place on 7–8 March 2026 at the East Midlands Conference Centre, University of Nottingham.
This two-day event is designed specifically for the “shapers” of the game—coaches, volunteers, officials, and club leaders—aiming to equip them with the tools and community support needed to drive the women’s and girls’ game forward.
Key Highlights & Programme
The conference offers a blend of high-level leadership insights and hands-on practical skill-building:
- World-Class Keynotes:
- Sara Davies MBE: Entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den investor, discussing growth mindsets and authentic leadership.
- Nicola Lofthouse: RAF Wing Commander, sharing lessons on performing under mission-critical pressure.
- Kate Richardson-Walsh OLY OBE: Olympic gold-winning captain, focusing on team culture and trust.
- Practical Workshops:
- Coaching: Sessions like ‘Maximising Nets’ (Tony Robson & Pete Forster) and ‘Preparing to Play’ (England’s Amy Jones).
- Leadership: Panels on ‘Leading Through Others’ and Sport England sessions on committee effectiveness.
- Inclusion: Insights from Women in Sport on the ‘Seeing is Believing’ initiative.
- Special Evening Celebration: A dedicated event marking 100 days to go until the T20 World Cup, featuring street food, music, and a panel of cricketing legends.
Ticket Packages & Registration
The ECB has opened registration with two main attendance options (early bird discounts were available through mid-January):
| Package Type | Inclusions | Cost |
| Conference & Accommodation | 2 days of content + Saturday overnight stay + Evening Celebration | £200 |
| Conference Only | 2 days of content + Evening Celebration (no accommodation) | £125 |
The “Why” Behind the Event
The conference is part of a broader pledge by the ECB and Metro Bank to treble the number of girls’ cricket teams by the end of 2026. By empowering 6,000 new volunteers and coaches, the fund aims to remove the barriers that historically prevented girls from staying in the sport.
“For a young woman to know—not just dream—that she can become a professional cricketer.” — Clare Connor, ECB Deputy CEO
