For more than a decade, Middlesex has been setting the benchmark for inclusive cricket. With five structured teams catering to players across a broad spectrum of physical, learning, and sensory disabilities, the disability cricket programme has built a reputation for excellence — both on and off the pitch.
At the heart of that success is a commitment to safeguarding in grassroots cricket and effective communication. With hundreds of players, carers, coaches and venues to coordinate, Head Coach Andy Hill and his team turned to Spond — a secure digital platform — to manage it all.
“Safeguarding is central to everything we do,” says Andy Hill, Head Coach of Middlesex in the Community’s (MITC) Disability Section. “We’re dealing with vulnerable people of all ages and needs. Spond gives us the confidence that we’re doing things properly and securely.”
A Structure That Supports Every Player
The MITC disability cricket setup includes five squads:
- Performance Squad (First XI): A high-level D40 side with deaf, learning-disabled and physically disabled players — unbeaten for two years and reigning national champions.
- Second XI: Competitive and aspirational players who came within one match of a national title last season.
- Development Squad: A crucial bridge for new talent progressing toward competitive cricket.
- Super 9s: A softball side offering more accessible cricket, led by coach Raj Nath, who ensures fun and participation for all.
- Open Squad: A newly created space for declassified players following changes to ECB eligibility rules, ensuring no one is left out.
MITC’s structure enables players to move up through the pathway, from school sessions to club hubs and into competitive teams. Many players who started in the Super 9s are now regulars in higher squads.
Spond Across the Whole Programme
Every team in the MITC disability setup uses Spond. Originally discovered by Andy during his time at Northants Cricket, it quickly became a core part of daily operations.
“I’d used Spond at Northants and knew how useful it was,” Andy says. “When I came to Middlesex, we brought it in across all the squads. It’s now how we do everything.”
With training sessions and matches at Greenford and Chiswick, plus a new headline game at Lord’s, Spond helps coaches track availability, communicate securely with families and carers, and ensure every player is where they need to be — safely and on time.
While MITC’s disability section doesn’t charge players, so Spond’s payment features aren’t currently used, the rest of the platform plays a huge role in safeguarding and inclusion. Coaches like Scott — a Level 2 qualified coach and fluent BSL interpreter — rely on the app to manage clear communication, which is especially important for players who are deaf or neurodiverse.
Safeguarding with Confidence
With so many vulnerable players in the setup, safeguarding isn’t an afterthought — it’s foundational.
“We’ve got carers, parents, lip-readers, and support workers in the loop,” says Andy. “Spond allows us to give them the right info quickly and securely. No WhatsApp groups, no crossed wires — it’s just a safer, smarter way to do things.”
The safeguarding benefits of Spond extend beyond messaging. The platform ensures that only verified coaches and contacts can access team details, helping clubs comply with GDPR and ECB safeguarding guidelines.
Building a Lasting Pathway
Disability cricket at Middlesex has now been running for over 13 years, and the results speak for themselves:
- D40 First Team: Unbeaten in two seasons, current national champions
- Second XI: Conference winners last year
- Super 9s: National champions three years ago
But for Andy and the coaching staff, it’s about more than trophies.
“We’re building a pathway for disabled players, from schools to clubs to competition. That means getting the little things right – like communication, trust and structure, so that the coaches can focus on the bigger picture.”
MITC works closely with local schools, using word of mouth and relationships with teachers, parents and carers to signpost young people into the right opportunities. Spond acts as the digital thread that connects the whole journey, from first contact to match day.
Looking Ahead
With a First XI match at Lord’s this summer and growing demand for inclusive cricket, MITC’s disability cricket programme is only getting stronger. From deaf players to those with learning disabilities, Spond dedication to safeguarding in grassroots cricket helps every participant feel part of something safe, structured and supportive.
“Cricket’s just the vehicle,” says Andy. “What really matters is inclusion, development and well-being. And with Spond, we’ve got the tools to deliver that properly.”
Find Out More:
- Spond.com
- The Spond App
- Spond Club
- Safeguarding in Spond
- Cricket in Spond
- Safeguarding Overview (Spond Help Center)
- Middlesex in the Community
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