2026-2027 Elite Performance Programme

AICE Elite Performance Pathway | 2026/27

Raise your standards. Develop your game. Prepare to represent England.

The AICE Elite Performance Pathway represents the highest level of indoor cricket in the UK, bringing together players in a structured, challenging and supportive environment focused on international performance.

This is the pathway through which our England Men’s, England Women’s, 21 & Under Boys’ and 21 & Under Girls’ squads are selected. The programme develops more than individual ability: it builds the technical skills, tactical understanding, physical readiness and team-first mentality needed to perform for England.

The 2026/27 season forms an important part of our preparation for the 2028 Opens World Cup, alongside exploring opportunities for annual overseas development tours.

What will players develop?

Specialist indoor cricket skills

Develop the skills that make a difference on an indoor court, including controlled batting, effective use of the nets, bowling accuracy and variation, running between the wickets, catching, throwing and wicketkeeping. The emphasis is on producing consistent skills that players can execute confidently under pressure.

Tactical understanding and match performance

Build a deeper understanding of partnerships, scoring opportunities, field placements and managing risk. Players will be challenged to read match situations, adapt to different opponents and make decisions that benefit the team—not just their individual performance.

Fitness and training habits

Develop the physical preparation required for high-level indoor cricket, with a focus on speed, agility, strength, movement and repeat efforts. Players will be encouraged to take ownership of their fitness and build purposeful training habits between pathway sessions, preparing for the demands of both individual matches and intensive tournament schedules.

Physio advice, recovery and player wellbeing

Receive guidance on physical preparation, recovery and managing the demands of training and competition. Physio advice will help players better understand how to look after their bodies, communicate concerns and approach their preparation responsibly.

Mental skills and performing under pressure

Work on confidence, concentration, composure and effective routines. Players will develop strategies for responding to setbacks, resetting after mistakes and staying focused in decisive moments. Learning to trust preparation and remain committed to the next ball is central to performing consistently.

Communication, leadership and team standards

Develop the habits of an effective teammate: clear communication, accountability, supporting others and putting collective success first. The pathway will challenge players to contribute positively, respond constructively to feedback and uphold the standards expected of an England squad member.

Preparing for international cricket

Our focus is on developing players who are ready for the demands of international competition, with the 2028 Opens World Cup providing a key long-term goal.

We are also exploring annual overseas development tours, offering potential opportunities to experience different opposition, adapt to unfamiliar conditions and develop within an international team environment.

Overseas tours are subject to confirmation. Tour plans, selection arrangements and associated costs will be communicated separately. Participation in the pathway does not guarantee selection for an England squad, overseas tour or World Cup.

Training dates

The scheduled sessions for the 2026/27 programme are:

• Sunday 1 November 2026

• Saturday 12 December 2026

• Sunday 10 January 2027

• Sunday 14 February 2027

  
  

Sessions will take place across Birmingham and Leicester. Your age-group coach and manager will confirm the exact venue and training times for each session, together with any relevant arrival or preparation information.

Please keep these dates available and follow the arrangements communicated for your squad.

Cost and training kit

Programme fee: £140.00, including a training top and training bottoms.

Please provide your required top size and bottoms size during registration so that your training kit can be arranged.

Make every session count

Come ready to work hard, learn, challenge yourself and contribute to the players around you. Progress within the pathway is about developing your own game while helping to raise the standard of the team.

Complete your registration for the 2026/27 Elite Performance Pathway and prepare for the season ahead.

Play. Develop. Represent.