The 2026 season has been another exciting one for Formby Cricket Club’s junior section, with plenty of progress on the field and a growing number of young players making their mark across the club.

At the heart of the junior section is Mark O’Connor, who has been instrumental in driving its development. Mark is no stranger to Formby CC, having previously played for the First XI. These days, he can often be found playing alongside his son, Louis, who is himself making his mark in senior and junior cricket.

For Mark, helping to develop the next generation of Formby cricketers is about much more than simply winning matches. It’s about creating an environment where young players can enjoy their cricket, improve and ultimately progress through into senior cricket.
And there has been plenty to be proud of in 2026!

How would you sum up the junior section's season so far?
The progress this season has been immense, we are now seeing the benefits of our commitment to the juniors whose willingness and desire to improve is far beyond their age. The cricket blast on a Friday evening is also going from strength to strength with numbers averaging around the 40/50 mark before the school holidays. This has also ran in line with Girls' Dynamos sessions on a Monday evening which has given us the opportunity the field an u11's girls side this year.

Have there been any moments that have stood out for you?
I think the moment of the year so far was the bowling performance by 10 year old Daniel Court in the u13 South regional final. We needed a spark, the captain through him the ball saying "hit the stumps for me" and win us this game. He returned figures of 4 wickets for 5 runs off 4 overs with a standing ovation from everyone involved.

If someone was thinking about bringing their child to Formby Cricket Club, what would you say that sets the juniors apart?
Formby Cricket club has an open door to any child wanting to play cricket, this goes from beginners all the way up to interleague level. We are passionate about promoting our juniors into senior cricket as they are the future of the club. I would love to see the stats as I don't think there will be many clubs across the country who had 10 or more current u13's who have played senior cricket during 2026.

Current players at the club in representative cricket.
Ollie Sutton - Lancashire 1st Team
Ben Aitchison - Derbyshire 1st Team
Lucas Kennedy - Lancashire Academy
Archie Davies - Lancashire Academy
Ryan Kennedy - Liverpool Comp Interleague
Louis O'Connor - Liverpool Comp Interleague
Caden Walker - Liverpool Comp Interleague
Seb Goatley - Liverpool Comp Interleague
Zac McHugh - Liverpool Comp Interleague
Paddy Edwards - Liverpool Comp Interleague

Developing the future of Formby CC
The numbers involved in the junior section tell only part of the story. What stands out is the pathway being created between junior and senior cricket at the club. For young players, the opportunity to train and play alongside more experienced cricketers provides an important step in their development.
It has been a season of progress, but also one that demonstrates what can happen when young players are given the opportunity, encouragement and support to develop.

With the junior section continuing to grow and more players making the step into senior and representative cricket, the future looks very bright at Formby CC.