Little Wickets is a UK-based children’s cricket coaching organisation committed to helping young boys and girls build confidence, coordination and character through cricket-inspired play. Founded in 2011 by mum-of-two Chloe Williams, the programme began when she struggled to find fun, high-quality cricket activities for her own pre-school children. Working with an ECB Coach Education Trainer, she created a unique approach that allows even the youngest cricketers to learn, laugh and shine through active, values-led fun sessions supporting physical, emotional and social development.
Since then, Little Wickets has grown into a well-established independent provider of early-years and primary cricket coaching. Thousands of children have taken part in its sessions, developing friendships, confidence and the life lessons embodied in the Spirit of Cricket—teamwork, resilience and fair play. While some participants have progressed into county and even England pathways, Little Wickets’ core focus remains helping every child enjoy movement, develop healthy habits and build a lifelong connection with sport.
Little Wickets now delivers a varied programme for children aged 2½ upwards. Its offering includes weekly preschool and primary sessions, partnerships with schools, nurseries and local cricket clubs, holiday cricket camps and cricket-themed birthday parties. This breadth enables coaches and franchisees to provide meaningful, engaging experiences throughout the year while shaping a flexible business that fits their personal commitments.
The organisation’s long-term aim is to develop a nationwide community of children, coaches and franchisees brought together by cricket, confidence and kindness. As the network expands, each franchise contributes to helping children thrive both on and off the pitch by promoting participation, fair play and fun.
The Little Wickets franchise model has been shaped by more than a decade of operational experience. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training, detailed coaching manuals, hands-on support and access to a dedicated resource hub filled with policies, templates, marketing materials and practical guides. They also receive a personalised booking system, national marketing activity, branded content and ongoing support and mentoring from the UK-based HQ team. Regular communication across the network fosters collaboration, shared learning and a supportive culture.
Franchising with Little Wickets is intentionally flexible and accessible. Each territory is tailored to reflect local size, demographics and opportunity, ensuring fair and sustainable growth. Most new franchisees launch within 6–12 weeks of training, and many choose to run their business part-time or term-time only while still expanding through additional coaches, holiday camps or partnership programmes. What connects all franchisees is a shared enthusiasm for inspiring children through sport and a commitment to delivering sessions rooted in teamwork, fun and the Spirit of Cricket.
Today, Little Wickets has an established presence in the East Midlands and Berkshire and continues to grow across the UK. It offers individuals the chance to run a purposeful, community-focused business supported by proven systems, mentoring and a strong values-led ethos. As a franchisee, you’re not just delivering cricket sessions—you’re helping nurture team players for life.
Training and support are central to the Little Wickets franchise experience. They ensure every franchisee has the skills, confidence and guidance needed to build a successful business while maintaining the fun, high-quality, child-centred sessions that define the Little Wickets brand. Because many franchisees may be new to business ownership or coaching, the training programme is designed to be practical, accessible and supportive from the very start.
From day one, franchisees benefit from more than a decade of expertise from the Founder and UK Operations Team. Their insight helps new owners avoid common start-up challenges and provides reassurance as they learn and grow within the franchise. Each new franchisee receives a personalised onboarding plan tailored to their background and development needs. Training is delivered through in-person sessions, online learning and practical experience observing and running Little Wickets sessions. Key areas include coach recruitment and management, delivering the age-specific curriculum, selecting and managing venues, safeguarding, and creating engaging, enjoyable sessions for children. This practical training is supported by operational resources such as coaching manuals, session plans and activity guides, giving franchisees a strong structure on which to build.
Business training is also a core component. Franchisees receive one-to-one guidance on local planning, pricing, scheduling, marketing, and designing a timetable that suits their goals and lifestyle. Regular check-ins during the launch phase—and thereafter—ensure steady progress and continuous support as the business grows.
A defining feature of the Little Wickets model is the direct access every franchisee has to the UK-based Operations Team. There is always a real person available to answer questions, offer advice or simply provide support when needed.
To strengthen long-term success, Little Wickets offers an extensive Coaching & Mentoring Programme, pairing each franchisee with a dedicated HQ contact. This relationship provides ongoing guidance on planning, problem-solving and business development. Franchisees also benefit from opportunities to connect with others in the network, creating a collaborative, friendly community where ideas and experiences are shared.
Training also covers everyday business tools, including systems for communication, bookings, marketing and administration, ensuring franchisees feel confident engaging parents and promoting their sessions. In addition to operational skills, franchisees receive support in key business areas such as customer communication, financial planning, forecasting, performance tracking, coach recruitment, venue relationships and community engagement. National marketing support boosts local visibility, ensuring all franchisees benefit from consistent, professional branding.
Little Wickets training is not a one-off event but an ongoing partnership. Franchisees have continual access to advice, updates, refresher training and best-practice guidance, helping them develop their business in line with the wider brand. We want you to succeed and are there to help that happen.
Through this personalised, practical and supportive approach, Little Wickets equips every franchisee to run a thriving business, deliver high-quality sessions and confidently nurture Team Players for Life.
There’s no such thing as a “typical” day in the life of a Little Wickets franchisee—its variety is one of the biggest joys of the role. A week blends purposeful work, community connection and uplifting moments spent helping children grow through cricket-inspired play. Every franchisee shapes their own routine, and not all choose to coach, but most days involve a mix of coaching or coach management, planning, relationship-building and running the business in a way that fits naturally around their lifestyle.
Much of the work follows the rhythm of the three main UK school terms, with planning, communication and preparation aligned to these cycles. Termly patterns guide when new sessions begin, when marketing activity increases and when holiday camps are scheduled, giving franchisees a clear structure for managing their workload throughout the year. Part of the week is dedicated to preparing for upcoming sessions: reviewing plans, organising equipment, checking bookings and communicating with parents. With structured programmes for preschool to early primary ages, franchisees and their coaching teams have clear guidance while still being able to bring personality, enthusiasm and creativity to each session. Coaches are encouraged to work with autonomy while staying true to the Little Wickets ethos of fun, teamwork and confidence-building. As the business expands—or when the franchisee does not coach—time may also be spent recruiting, training and managing lead and assistant coaches to ensure high-quality delivery across all sessions.
Sessions themselves are often the highlight of the week. Whether leading classes or supporting a team of coaches, each session encourages teamwork, confidence and joy through carefully planned activities. They are energetic, positive and rewarding—celebrating achievements, encouraging quieter children and watching skills develop over time. These moments of progress are what many franchisees value most. Outside of delivering sessions, franchisees spend time building relationships within their community. This may involve speaking with parents, visiting nurseries or schools, connecting with local cricket clubs, exploring venue options or discussing partnership opportunities. These relationships grow awareness of Little Wickets and open doors to additional income streams such as holiday camps, clubs and birthday parties.
Marketing also features in the weekly rhythm. Franchisees help shape centralised social media messaging, share updates with parents, promote new term blocks and highlight availability for upcoming sessions. With branded templates and ongoing support, local marketing stays simple, consistent and effective. A portion of time each week is dedicated to administration. Tasks may include responding to enquiries, updating registers, managing waiting lists, planning timetables or reviewing financial performance. Many franchisees complete admin during quieter hours, helping maintain a family-friendly balance.
Regular communication with the Little Wickets Operations Team is a key part of franchise life. Franchisees know there is always a real person to turn to for advice, reassurance or support. Coaching and mentoring provide ongoing help with planning, development and problem-solving as the business grows. Connecting with fellow franchisees adds further support. Through informal conversations, shared ideas and collaborative opportunities, franchisees celebrate milestones and learn from one another, forming a friendly, purpose-driven national network.
Overall, the daily life of a Little Wickets franchisee blends meaningful work with flexibility and fulfilment. You’ll help children build confidence and life skills while growing a business you are proud of—supported every step of the way and connected to a community that shares your passion for fun, teamwork and making a difference.
