GRAPPENHALL Cricket Club – “Grappers” – is launching a new coaching programme led by former England cricketer and experienced youth coach Steve Parry.
The Grappenhall Cricket Academy has been created to strengthen the Club’s junior-to-senior pathway and give young players a clear, structured route to develop — with the right support around them as they progress.
Grappers has built one of the strongest junior sections in the region, and the launch is a clear statement of intent about what comes next. It comes after a disappointing 2025 season in which the 1st XI won only one league match.
The club wants to retain and inspire talented young cricketers by offering high-quality coaching, consistent guidance and a long-term development plan that players and parents can trust. It is about more than improving performance in the short term — it is about showing young people that Grappenhall is invested in their growth over the coming years, and that there is a real future for them at the club.
Club chairman Paul Birch said: “This is a hugely exciting moment for us. We’re proud of the junior section we’ve built, and we want to make sure our young players have a clear pathway and the best possible support as they develop.”
Steve Parry brings a rare level of expertise to the Academy. A former professional slow left-arm bowler, he has played for England, England Lions, Lancashire, Brisbane Heat and the MCC. Alongside his playing career, he has built a strong reputation for developing structured coaching programmes across clubs and county environments. Most recently, he served as assistant head coach for Lancashire Women, playing a key role in the team’s domestic double trophy success in his final season before departing in December 2025.
Paul Birch continued: “Bringing Steve in is a real coup for Grappenhall. His experience, his standards and his structured approach will help us bridge the gap into senior cricket and strengthen the club for the long term.”
The Cricket Academy is a key part of Grappenhall’s wider plans to re-model its cricket provision over the coming seasons. With Steve’s guidance, the club has ambitious goals and is determined to build a centre of excellence for young cricketers in the North-West — creating an environment where talent is identified early, supported properly and given every chance to flourish.
Steve Parry said: “I’m really looking forward to working with the players and coaches at Grappenhall. The club has strong foundations and real ambition, and the Academy is a great chance to put clear structure around development. It’s about helping young cricketers improve, understand their game and enjoy their cricket, while building something that supports long-term success for the whole club.”
Young players, parents or coaches who would like to find out more about the Grappenhall Cricket Academy can contact the club on info@grappers.co.uk or visit www.grappers.co.uk
