Your child's first winter cricket session in Sutton: a parent's guide

Thinking about bringing your child to Cheam Cricket Club's indoor training this winter? Here is what to bring, where to go and how to try it for free – in plain terms.

If your son or daughter has been asking to try cricket, winter is a good time to start. Our indoor sessions run on Tuesday evenings in Sutton, under cover whatever the weather. Here are the answers to the questions parents ask us most.

Which session is right for my child?

There are two groups. Children in school Years 3 to 6 play softball cricket from 6.10pm to 7.30pm. Players aged 12 to 16 play hardball cricket from 7.40pm to 9.00pm. Boys and girls train together in the same groups.

Do they need to be good already?

No. There are no trials and no minimum standard, and nobody is turned away. Sessions are led by ECB-qualified coaches working in small groups, so complete beginners and children who already play are both well looked after.

What should they bring?

Years 3 to 6 need only trainers and comfortable sportswear – we provide bats, balls and everything else. Players aged 12 to 16 bring trainers, sportswear and their own hardball kit. Both groups should bring a drink, and there's no need for whites.

Where do we go?

The first session of each block is at Harris Academy Sutton, 2 Chiltern Road, Sutton SM2 5QP (entrance via Chiltern Road, with parking). From the second week, sessions move to Overton Grange School on Stanley Road, Sutton. Both venues have full-size indoor cricket nets.

When does it run?

Block A runs every Tuesday from 6 October to 8 December 2026. Sessions carry on through half term, so Tuesday 27 October goes ahead as normal. Block B runs from 12 January to 16 March 2027, so the new year is another good moment to start.

How do we try it?

The easiest way is a free Open Day. The first is on Tuesday 6 October and the next is on Tuesday 12 January 2027, both at Harris Academy Sutton. Places are limited and must be booked in advance, so please register on our Open Day page rather than just turning up. There is nothing to pay on the night and no obligation to carry on afterwards.

If your child would like to keep going, block prices, trial sessions and drop-in rates are on our Winter Programme page. Brothers and sisters get 10% off each additional child, and bursaries are available so that cost need never stop a child from playing.

Girls' cricket in Sutton

Girls are very welcome at every session. To find out more about girls' cricket at Cheam, including what happens in the summer, see our girls cricket page.

Any questions? Email juniors@cheamcricketclub.co.uk and we'll be happy to help.

Cheam Cricket Club was founded in 1864, and every cricketer who has played here started the same way: picking up a bat for the first time. We'd love that to be your child this winter.