PUPILS from a Bradford school enjoyed a day to remember as they returned to Lord’s Cricket Ground for the Lord’s Taverners National Table Cricket Finals Day.

Beckfoot School were one of ten teams that had fought their way through regional competitions to win a place at Finals Days, held inside the Nursery Pavilion at the Home of Cricket, and impressed on their way to a second place finish.

Schools competing were from across the country, with Lord’s Taverners President and cricket legend David Gower and current England star Reece Topley among those in attendance.

School teaching assistant Viv Macdonald was among the staff members accompanying the team, who have qualified for Finals Day previously, and believes that the experience has taught the pupils invaluable lessons.

She said: “We’ve been to Lord’s twice before, and it’s just a great experience being here.

“We’ve got this fabulous little team and what I love is that when I first started at Beckfoot it was all for people with physical disabilities, whereas now it’s progressed to any disability.

“I like the fact that many of them might not access any clubs as it’s a bit overwhelming, but this teaches them how to run their own team - as we give them ownership.

“They’ve put their own team together, they’ve put their own batting order together and it builds so much confidence and camaraderie.

“This is a memory that will stay with them forever.”

Much of the Lord’s Taverners work in cricket for young people with disabilities is made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded by the Postcode Active Trust, in addition to support from the ECB and Sport England.

This past year has seen over 6,500 young people playing the game, benefitting from immeasurable personal development opportunities through table cricket. Participants learn leadership, communication and endless amounts of key skills whilst travelling to new places and creating friendships with other players.

Beckfoot pupil Euan Roberts, 13, was in the school’s team at Lord’s and was thrilled to get the chance to compete.

He added: “It’s really exciting to be here. At first it was a bit scary because I thought there were a lot of schools here and I wasn’t hopeful. However we got off to a really good start.

“It’s very great to be here. It’s a great achievement by all of my friends to get here. My favourite thing about table cricket is that you get to meet new friends and different people.”

The Lord’s Taverners impacts the lives of young people facing the challenges of inequality. The charity works across the UK and beyond to provide inclusive and impactful cricket programmes, empowering young people with disabilities and from disadvantaged communities – visit www.lordstaverners.org