Worcestershire County Cricket Club is delighted to announce it has been nominated for two prestigious accolades at the 2025 Business of Cricket Awards (BOCAs), recognising the Club’s commitment to inclusive growth and investment in high-quality facilities.
“These nominations reflect the hard work of our staff and volunteers and the voices of Mencap learners and their families. We’re determined to make New Road a welcoming, accessible home for everyone, and our investment in inclusive experiences and the new, flood-resilient WODR Bar & Café shows that in action. It’s brilliant to see that commitment recognised by the BOCAs.”
Joe Tromans, Chief Revenue Officer, Worcestershire CCC
Raising the Game EDI Initiative Award
Working in partnership with Mencap and the Worcestershire Cricket Foundation, Worcestershire set out to remove the practical and perceptual barriers that adults with learning difficulties face when engaging with cricket, both as participants and within the workforce.
The joined-up programme created meaningful pathways into the game at Visit Worcestershire New Road, embedding inclusive practice across the Club through internships, inclusive experiences, learner-led consultation and community volunteering.
SEND-friendly, low-sensory tours-piloted on matchdays-have now become a permanent public offer, while learner feedback has led to specific accessibility improvements around the ground, including better wayfinding and operational adjustments.
The impact has been significant: dozens of learners have been engaged across internships, tours and community roles, families report a stronger sense of belonging at New Road, and 100% of participating learners reported increased confidence.
Staff mentors have developed practical inclusive skills, with inclusive practice now part of day-to-day operations across kitchens, facilities and the wider matchday experience-bringing the Club closer to its ambition that cricket at New Road is truly “a game for all.”
Best Development or New Facility – WODR Bar & Café
Responding to member feedback after the closure of the former Foley’s café, the Club has delivered a flood-resilient, fully accessible modular hospitality and café facility at Visit Worcestershire New Road: the WODR Bar & Café.
Built for the 2025 season with capital support via the ECB maintenance fund, the 90-seat venue restores a reliable matchday social hub while strengthening the Club’s commercial offer.
An upstairs viewing area provides one of the best vantage points at the ground, and step-free access ensures dignity and ease of use for supporters of all abilities.
The unit has been engineered for operational continuity in a flood-prone setting, designed to be removed within half a day in response to flood alerts and reinstated swiftly.
With Vitality Blast T20 fixtures reaching 98% occupancy in 2024, the WODR Bar & Café also adds valuable premium inventory to meet demand and underpins long-term financial sustainability through multi-year commercial income.
Worcestershire thanks its partners and community for their continued support and looks forward to celebrating the BOCAs alongside the cricket family.
