History has been made today, with a staggering 23,000 children picking up a cricket bat for the biggest single day of cricket participation the country has ever seen.
The biggest-ever Schools Cricket Day has taken place across England and Wales today to mark the 50 day countdown to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which will take place at Headingley Cricket Ground in June.
Thousands of children from 125 schools across the region have taken part in some form of cricket activity, whether it’s their first time bowling or they were taking part in a competitive match.
It marks a major milestone on the road to this summer’s tournament, which will kick off at Edgbaston on 12 June before heading to Headingley Cricket Ground for five fixtures from 13 June.
The celebrations today have seen Australia and Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) star Jess Jonassen playing her part in the celebrations at Morley Cricket Club in Leeds, where there was a dedicated session for more than 50 lucky children.
Alongside lessons and activities, schoolteachers received training to help them become cricket ‘activators’, empowering them to bring cricket to their local communities in the long term.
The day also featured bespoke resources and games created by the ICC’s global charity partner, UNICEF, through its “Rights in Play” programme.
Schools Cricket Day is part of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)’s ambitions to use the tournament to inspire the next generation of girls to play cricket.
This year alone, through various initiatives and programmes, the ECB is aiming to see 500,000 women and girls playing cricket, 300 women taking up key leadership roles within the game’s administration, and 500 Champions of Change created as part of the Young Cricket Collective, which will empower young girls to volunteer and make change at their local cricket clubs.
Australia and Yorkshire CCC star, Jess Jonassen, who attended the event said: “I can’t wait for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup coming to England, and Headingley, in just 50 days' time.
“Playing in international tournaments like ICC World Cups was always my goal as I was moving through the ranks back home, and initiatives like today are so important to inspire the next generation of cricketers.
“Major tournaments can have such a powerful legacy and today’s School Cricket Day is a pivotal step towards encouraging more girls and boys, across Yorkshire and the entire country, to pick up a bat and ball and fall in love with the sport.”
Gemma Barton, ECB Head of Strategic Growth, said: “Moments like this show how the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is shaping the future of the game.
“Every girl and boy inspired to pick up a bat and ball today can see how inclusive, welcoming and fun cricket is.
“It’s not just about the summer ahead, it’s about what comes next: more girls playing, more teams growing, and more people feeling like they belong in the game.”
Tickets for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 are selling fast - you can get yours for Leeds HERE.
An enormous fan park is set to open in Leeds this month, ahead of Leeds United's FA Cup semi-final clash against Chelsea.
The Whites will be heading to Wembley on Sunday 26 April, but Leeds fans will be able to cheer them on in our home city too, thanks to this massive event from 4TheFans.
4TheFans will be turning the O2 Academy Leeds into an immersive, dedicated Leeds United fan park experience for this historic day.
Expect to watch all the action on the biggest screen in Leeds, plus there'll be world-class sound, a Sky Sports presenter, a fully-stocked bar, a dedicated 4TheFans presenter, DJs, and a genuine Leeds football legend providing analysis and banter.
And every time the ball hits the back of the net, pyrotechnics and other special effects will only add to the atmosphere.
It's been 39 years since our beloved Leeds reached an FA Cup semi-final, and now Daniel Farke’s side are just 90 minutes away from a place in the FA Cup Final.
Nearly 2000 fellow supporters will be able to come together under one roof in one of the city's most iconic venues, for what's shaping up to be the best atmosphere outside Wembley itself.
This really is the best alternative to being at the actual match, with 4TheFans’ proven track record of creating atmospheric fan parks for major sporting events.
A huge FA Cup semi-final fan park is opening in Leeds, with the biggest screen in the city
And whether it ends in ecstasy or heartbreak, this is a match that Leeds fans need to see together.
Hundreds of tickets have already been sold from pre-registration.
General Admission tickets start at £7.50 and provide standing access to the entire fan park, while premium seated tickets start from £9.50 and secure a balcony seat with unobstructed views of the screens.
This family event is for anyone over eight years old (under 14s must be accompanied by an adult on the balcony).
The 4TheFans FA Cup semi-final fan park will be open at O2 Academy Leeds on Sunday 26 April, with doors open at 1pm ahead of a 3pm kick-off.
A bar in Leeds is serving £1 Baby Guinness shots in celebration of St Patrick’s Day
Clementine Hall
Baby Guinness shots for a quid? It would be rude not to.
Get ready to raid your wardrobe for anything green, because one of the funnest (and booziest) holidays of the year is just around the corner.
Of course, we're talking about the almighty St Patrick's Day that is taking place on Tuesday 17 March 2026.
It's a day filled with merriment, Irish music and plenty of Guinness. Whether that be pints of the good stuff or shots of Baby Guinness.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
We're particularly a fan of the latter.
And there's a few spots in Leeds where you'll be able to get those bad boys for just one pound.
Roxy Ball Room & Roxy Lanes are hosting the offer which will be available from Friday 13 - Sunday 22 March, that's over an entire week of £1 shots for you to get stuck into.
All you have to do is download their brand-new rewards app, claim the voucher and leave the rest to them.
The voucher can be used at any time during the day and at any of their Leeds locations. Pretty class if you ask us.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
And you're really spoilt for choice because you'll find Roxy Ball Rooms on Merrion Street and Boar Lane as well as a Roxy Lanes on The Headrow.
Not only will you be able to bag yourself a £1 shot, but in the same timeframe they're also offering limited edition Jameson shots to mark the occasion as well as two for £10 pints of Guinness.
Of course you'll be able to enjoy all the usual Roxy games and unleash your competitive side, from beer pong and tech darts to karaoke and ice-free curling.
So, get your mates together and get ready to grab a bargain this St Patrick's Day by downloading the Roxy Rewards App here.
Daisy Jackson -
23rd April 2026 
