How are the squads going to be selected?

Boys MJCA
• For the summer season 2026, ECC is trying to ensure that the process for MJCA squad selection is as fair and transparent as possible. ECC is therefore going to operate a trials system, as it did last year.
• If you wish to be considered for selection for the “A” squad for your age group, it is essential that you attend the trials below. If you are unable to attend, please contact the DOC.
• There will still be some movement between squads during the season, based on player performance in games and training, and showing good teamwork and support for fellow players.
• Players that join during the season will be accommodated (where possible) in the appropriate squad but this cannot be guaranteed.

Girls MJCA
• There is no trial process for the girls’ MJCA team.
• Ealing Cricket Club currently fields one team per girls’ age group, and all girls within the eligible age band form part of the squad.
• Match selection is made by the coaches and is based on a combination of factors, including:
– Availability for the fixture
– Attendance and commitment at training sessions
– Attitude, effort and team contribution
– Player development needs and providing appropriate match experience
– Ensuring a balanced side (batting, bowling and fielding options) so the team remains competitive
• The aim is to provide inclusive opportunities across the squad while also selecting teams that give us the best chance to compete effectively in each fixture.
• Selection decisions are made in the best interests of both individual player development and the team as a whole.

How will ECC Squad trials for Boys MJCA work this year?

• Stage 1: Sign Up. In order to participate in the Trials, we are asking that all junior players sign up as paid members by Thursday 12 March 2025. This will also enable us to plan coaching and the IFL sufficiently far in advance. Please click the link to sign up:

https://webcollect.org.uk/ecc/subscription

Important: due to the category updates, you won’t be able to “renew” the exact existing subscription. Please follow: Log in (top right) → Renew (top left) → Buy a different subscription → Select membership → Checkout

Age group classifications are here:
https://www.ealingcc.co.uk/a/juniors-65784.html?page=2

• Stage 2: Trials. Trials will take place at Ada Lovelace School on the following dates. Please attend one only of the following sessions (and confirm availability on Pitchero):

• Stage 3: Subject to the Conflicts of Interest checks (see separate section), the DOC and Club Coaches will select which players are to play in which squads for the 2026 season. Squads will be announced before the start of the season in April. The decision will be based on a combination of:
(i) the DOC’s and Club Coaches’ observations at the Trials;
(ii) the DOC’s and Club Coaches’ observations during ECC winter training;
(iii) a discussion with the Junior Age Group Manager; and
(iv) the player’s performances during the 2025 season as per Play Cricket.

How do I know if my child has been selected to play in a MJCA or IFL match?

ECC team selection (for all games) is via the Pitchero App (please see separate Pitchero FAQ) and follows a three-stage process:
• Stage 1: Player Availability. All players are asked to mark their availability on Pitchero at the start of the season for all matches and to keep this updated as the season progresses. It is essential to mark your child as available on Pitchero if you want them to be considered for selection for a particular match day team! By marking your child as available, you are putting them forward for selection for that match.
• Stage 2: Team Selection. Around a week or so before each match, the Lead Coach for each age group will select a match day team from those that have previously marked themselves as available. The Manager will then upload this selection to Pitchero.
• Stage 3: Parent Responds to Selection. It is essential that you respond to this selection by confirming your child can play on Pitchero. If you do not respond to this selection within a couple of days, the Manager may revoke the selection and select another player in conjunction with the Lead Coach.
• Once you have confirmed your selection, please only drop out if absolutely necessary. In the unlikely event that you do need to drop out, please contact the Manager directly (please do not just change your son’s playing status on Pitchero!)