Going back to school: A fun lesson in playing Table Cricket

Table Cricket is an adapted form of the game for children with disabilities, played in schools across the UK on a table tennis table.

It’s been on my radar for a while to learn more about this inclusive game of strategy – and where better than the 2023 Yorkshire Champions: Beckfoot School in Bingley?

So, on a blustery March morning, I returned to school for the first time since I left Somerset when I was 18.

One efficient visitor pass later and I met Viv Macdonald, SEN Teaching Assistant, and the driving force behind Beckfoot School’s Table Cricket Club.

As we walk to the sports hall to set up for the session, I learn that Beckfoot School has long been part of the Table Cricket landscape; a schools programme established by the Lord’s Taverners charity.

Beckfoot were one of 60 teams that took part in the inaugural nationals in 2010 and have been involved ever since.

Beckfoot’s commitment to supporting kids with disabilities that might range from ADHD to autism or anxiety is clearly important in itself but there’s additional pride in a stellar record, representing Yorkshire and even coming second overall in 2023.

Viv tells me that part of the dynamic with Table Cricket is the camaraderie and teamwork it encourages.

She said: “When it comes to organising each team, the batting order and getting started, I step back. It’s their team and really helps with growing their confidence.”

Pupils and teachers set up the two halves of the table tennis table together, fixing green barriers around the side of the table to act as a boundary.

These stop the ball from going off the table; the fielding team are stationed on each side and can move a plastic slider to effectively ‘field’ the ball in their area.

The red ball is delivered down a ramp to the batter who is at the other end of the table. If this seems simplistic, there is plenty of skill as one of the regulars, Mason, shows me.

He positions the ball (which has a metallic pin in it) as you would do with the seam position of a ball outdoors to get it to swerve left or right.

The scores are called back to the teacher who scores on her phone before a grand reveal at the end on the large whiteboard.

Batters use a miniature cricket bat to strike the ball with different areas of the table counting as 2, 4 or 6. If they pick out a fielder then they’re out and there are other modes of dismissal to keep everyone interested.

There is so much that impressed me in a short and happily chaotic 60 minutes. Sixes are launched regularly, players help each other and everyone is involved.

No fielding on the boundary out of sight for hours or not being picked to bowl.

I was made welcome by everyone and it wasn’t long before I started acting as impromptu umpire, complete with extravagant signals, and getting really into it.

Dex, who is in the Lord’s Taverners video from Beckfoot School, explained some of the rules but everyone chipped in. Some have been playing for years alongside newcomers with plenty of natural ability.

Opportunities to take part in sport for those with disabilities can be very limited and this was truly inclusive, irrespective of each child’s circumstances.

The benefits are many from coordination and technique to observation and reading the game. Like other formats for young people, Table Cricket has been shown to boost self-esteem, as well as building friendships, giving players responsibility while working as a team.

Beckfoot School will join other schools at the Yorkshire Finals at Headingley’s Indoor Centre on 17 April and hope to get back to Lord’s for the fourth time.

Shakil Manir, Disability Development Manager at the Yorkshire Cricket Board, said: “Beckfoot have had considerable success with their Table Cricket squads and are fully engaged with the programme.”

He added: “Credit has to go to the teachers and the support staff for running sessions during school hours and keeping the squad motivated. We look forward to welcoming them for the county finals in April.”

I’ve now seen for myself the power of Table Cricket and will be watching closely for how Beckfoot and the other Yorkshire schools get on. Best of luck to everyone!

Learn more

To learn more about, you can explore Lord’s Taverners Table Cricket including a guide to the game and videos offering an introduction.