Bangor Cricket Club is celebrating one of the most successful youth seasons in its history after a summer that delivered silverware, representative honours and continued growth across its thriving junior section.
With more than 280 boys and girls aged between four and fifteen taking part in cricket throughout the season, Bangor continues to be one of the largest and most vibrant youth cricket programmes in Northern Ireland. The club currently fields 11 youth teams, providing opportunities for youngsters of all abilities to enjoy the sport through age-group cricket ranging from Under-11 to Under-15 level for both boys and girls.
The 2026 season will be remembered not only for the number of trophies won, but also for the way Bangor’s young players represented the club, displaying skill, determination, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the summer.
Among the season’s highlights was a remarkable achievement at the Future Wolves Festival, held as part of the launch of the new Belfast Wolves professional franchise. Bangor’s Under-11 boys and Under-11 girls teams both emerged as festival champions, bringing home two trophies and showcasing the strength of the club’s youngest players. The event brought together young cricketers from clubs across Northern Ireland and highlighted the exciting future of the game in the province.
On the competitive front, Bangor enjoyed success across both boys’ and girls’ cricket. The Under-11 Boys captured the Quoile Cup, producing one of the most dramatic victories of the season. Facing Instonians in the final, Bangor defended a modest total to record a thrilling three-run victory, with the team showing outstanding resilience under pressure. The win capped a superb campaign for a talented group of young cricketers and demonstrated the never-say-die attitude that has become a hallmark of Bangor’s youth teams.
Success continued at Under-13 level. The Under-13 Boys lifted the Banoge Cup, defeating Instonians by 15 runs in the final at Upritchard Park. Strong batting performances laid the platform before disciplined bowling secured an impressive victory and another major trophy for the club.
The club’s girls’ section also enjoyed a landmark year. Bangor’s Under-13A Girls were crowned NCU Premier League Cup champions, claiming the club’s first Premier League title at this age group. The team produced outstanding performances throughout the competition and saved their best for the final, where a confident display secured a memorable victory.
Not to be outdone, the Under-13B Girls completed an excellent season by winning the NCU Under-13 Division One title, underlining the depth of talent within Bangor’s rapidly growing girls’ cricket programme.
While team success was a major feature of the season, individual achievements were equally impressive. A significant number of Bangor players earned selection for Northern Cricket Union representative squads, reflecting the quality of coaching and player development taking place at the club.
At Under-11 level, Ethan Martindale, Finn Campbell, Jacob Patterson and Callum Kirkpatrick were selected to represent the Northern Cricket Union, gaining valuable experience against some of the best young players in the region.
The club’s Under-13 Girls were also strongly represented, with Cate Hirst, Charlotte Kennedy, Maddie Keenan, Rene Rankin and Lucy Hutchinson all earning representative honours.
Bangor’s Under-13 Boys continued that trend, with Toby Hopkins, Teddy McIlwaine, Charlie Holley and Oliver Campbell gaining selection for NCU sides during the season. These selections are a testament not only to the players’ hard work and commitment, but also to the support they receive from coaches, volunteers and parents throughout the year.
Youth cricket has become a major part of Bangor Cricket Club’s identity, with the club investing heavily in providing a welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable environment for young people. Participation from girls continues to increase, while boys and girls alike benefit from structured coaching, competitive cricket and opportunities to develop both sporting skills and friendships.
Club officials have praised the efforts of the coaching team and volunteers whose commitment makes the programme possible. “This has been an incredible season for our youth section,” said a club spokesperson. “Winning trophies is always special, but what makes us most proud is seeing so many young people enjoying cricket, developing their skills and representing Bangor with such enthusiasm and respect. The achievements of our players, both as individuals and as teams, are a reflection of the hard work of our coaches, volunteers and parents who give so much of their time to support youth cricket.”
With participation levels continuing to grow and a new generation of players emerging through the ranks, the future looks exceptionally bright for Bangor Cricket Club.
As the season draws to a close, the club can look back with pride on a summer that delivered memorable victories, representative success and continued growth, while providing hundreds of young people from across the Bangor area with the opportunity to enjoy and thrive in sport.
For Bangor Cricket Club’s young cricketers, 2026 will be remembered as a season to celebrate.
