Durham Cricket are thrilled to announce that the Durham Cricket Foundation will headline the Vitality T20 Blast Rivals Week fixture on Friday 20 June, as the club hosts a spectacular double-header of cricket action and powerful community celebration.
In what promises to be one of the most exciting nights of the summer, Durham Men take on fierce rivals Yorkshire in a highly anticipated T20 Blast clash, while Durham Women face Essex earlier in the evening. The games will help support a broader campaign to spotlight the incredible work of the Durham Cricket Foundation, the official charity arm of the club, which continues to deliver innovative programmes that inspire, include and connect communities across the region.
Formed from the merger of the Durham Cricket Board and Foundation, the new-look Durham Cricket Foundation operates with a bold and unified purpose: to bridge the power of the sport with the real needs of local people. With a mission to “Reach Out, Raise Up”, the Foundation works tirelessly to make cricket a vehicle for social change, inclusion and opportunity.
On the night, the Foundation will showcase its wide-reaching initiatives spanning Health & Wellbeing, Community Cohesion and Cricket Development. These include everything from walking cricket and inclusive leagues, to arts and craft sessions, school outreach, and projects with the Great North Children’s Hospital.
Fans will have the chance to meet Foundation staff and volunteers, explore their work in schools and local clubs, and find out how to get involved—whether by volunteering, donating or taking part. The popular Everyone Active Family Zone, delivered by the Foundation, will be packed with fun, inclusive activities for all ages. Meanwhile, the Heineken Fan Zone will come alive with live music and a festival atmosphere.
David Jackson, Marketing Director at Durham Cricket, said: “We work closely with our Foundation throughout the year, so it’s great to come together during the T20 Blast and let everyone know about the fantastic work they do and how people can benefit from it or get involved.
“This match is a platform to champion the work of our Foundation, whose reach and impact grows every year. From SEND schools to grassroots clubs, they’re investing in people’s futures through cricket—and it’s fantastic to share that story on such a big stage.”
Graeme Weeks, Chief Executive of the Durham Cricket Foundation, added: “To take centre stage at one of the biggest nights in the Durham Cricket calendar is an incredible moment for the Foundation. This double-header is the perfect platform to celebrate the power of cricket—not just on the pitch, but in the lives of thousands across our communities. From young children picking up a bat for the first time to older adults rediscovering connection through Walking Cricket, we’re proud of what we’ve built and we look forward to showcasing this to fans and spectators—and offering them the chance to be part of our journey, whether by getting involved, volunteering, or simply cheering us on.”
With a five-year strategy that’s delivering impact in over 200 schools, 100 clubs, and across diverse communities, the Foundation is cementing its place at the heart of the game and the region.
Tickets for this Friday night double-header start from just £5, covering entry to both matches.
🌐 To discover more about the Durham Cricket Foundation and how you can support or get involved