AO and Lancashire Cricket unite to inspire the next generation of cricketers

AO, the UK’s most trusted electrical retailer, has agreed a ten-year partnership with Lancashire Cricket to help more than 150,000 young people get into the sport over the next decade.

As part of the agreement, Lancashire Cricket’s state-of-the-art Farington facility will be renamed AO Farington Cricket Ground, reflecting a shared ambition to grow the game and create more opportunities for people of all ages to engage with cricket.

The naming rights sponsorship builds on AO’s existing pledge to make sport more accessible for almost half a million children in the UK, through schemes such as its own grassroots programme and its long-standing support of Lancashire Cricket.

AO has sponsored the Club’s talent pathway – including the Academy, age-group teams, and the sports science and medical department – since 2023 and this new agreement ensures that investment reaches every stage of player development, from grassroots to the professional game.

Lancashire bowler Tom Bailey said: “As someone who grew up just a few miles down the road in Preston, it’s really special to see Lancashire Cricket creating something that will have such a positive impact on the local community. I came through the Club’s pathway after playing grassroots cricket locally at Vernon Carus Cricket Club, so I know first-hand how important local facilities and opportunities are for young cricketers.

“What’s really exciting about AO Farington Cricket Ground is that it’s not just somewhere people can come and watch Lancashire Cricket – it’s a place where local schools and communities will be able to play the game too. Having a Community Oval alongside a venue that hosts professional cricket creates a brilliant connection between grassroots and the elite game.

“If I’d had something like this growing up, it would have been incredible. Young players from Preston, South Ribble and the surrounding area will be able to play on the Community Oval, watch Lancashire players in action, and hopefully be inspired to follow the pathway into professional cricket.”

The partnership will be officially unveiled at today’s community launch event at the ground, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for a facility developed in close collaboration with Lancashire County Council.

A state-of-the-art, dual-purpose venue, AO Farington Cricket Ground features two cricket ovals designed to support the game at every level. The professional ground will host men’s and women’s competitive fixtures each season, while the second oval will serve as a dedicated hub for community, recreational and youth cricket. Delivered by the Lancashire Cricket Foundation, the venue will provide more than 750 hours of community cricket activity annually.

AO Founder and CEO, John Roberts, said: “I’ve spent over 30 years backing young people across the UK, so this partnership means a great deal to me personally. Through our support for grassroots sport, we’ve helped hundreds of thousands of young people get involved and build the confidence, teamwork and life skills that sport brings.

“Our partnership with Lancashire Cricket over the past decade has shown just how powerful that impact can be and committing to a ten-year partnership isn’t a one-off gesture, it’s about giving Lancashire Cricket the certainty to plan for the long term, so today’s young people, and the generations after them, have a facility that backs their potential.”

Mark Chilton, Director of Cricket Performance at Lancashire Cricket, added: “AO has been a fantastic supporter of our Academy and age-group programmes for a number of years, whilst also sponsoring the Club’s Sports Science and Medical team.

“This enhanced partnership takes that support to another level and strengthens our shared commitment to developing the next generation of Lancashire cricketers.

“The AO Farington Cricket Ground will become a key part of our cricketing infrastructure – providing an outstanding environment for players to develop and perform, and creating a stronger, more connected pathway from grassroots cricket through to the professional game.”

Angela Hodson, Commercial Director at Lancashire Cricket, commented: “We are so excited to have AO on board as the naming rights partner of Farington. We share the same values and that alignment makes this more than just a commercial partnership.

“A decade of investment is a real statement of intent. This is a ground that is built for every level of the game, from elite performance to community participation, and having AO’s name attached to it speaks to the ambition and values we both bring to the project.

“We look forward to working together to maximise its impact over the next 10 years.”