Everything before the first session.
Written for parents, not players. Safeguarding, what to expect, what to bring, and what happens if plans change — the practical detail that usually only surfaces after you've already booked.
Non-negotiable, by design.
Every coach, checked
All coaching staff hold an enhanced DBS certificate, renewed on the ECB's standard cycle, and complete Safeguarding & Protecting Children (L1) training before they lead a session unsupervised.
A named welfare officer
Foundry's designated safeguarding officer is J. Hargreaves. Any concern, however small, can be raised directly and confidentially — details on request at reception or via welfare@foundrycricket.co.uk.
Supervision ratios
No lane runs unsupervised. Group lanes hold a maximum of 4 players to 1 coach; junior sessions never exceed this ratio, regardless of how many players are on the waiting list.
First aid on site
At least one paediatric first-aid trained staff member is present at all times the facility is open. First-aid points are located at both entrances and the viewing gallery.
Photography & consent
We ask for written consent before any child appears in academy photography or social media. You can update this preference at any time through the Parent Portal.
Collection policy
Under-16s are only released to a nominated adult listed on the booking. Add or change nominated collectors any time through your Portal profile.
What actually happens
on day one.
Arrive 10 minutes early
Reception is at the main entrance off the car park. A coach will meet you and your child in the viewing gallery before the session starts.
A short conversation, not a test
The lead coach asks a few questions — playing experience, any injuries, what your child wants to get better at — before stepping onto the lane.
You're welcome to watch
The viewing gallery overlooks every lane. There's no expectation to watch the entire session — wifi and seating are there if you'd rather wait comfortably.
A read-out before you leave
Five minutes with the coach at the end — what they saw, what pathway they'd recommend, and next steps. No pressure to book on the spot.
What to bring
- Trainers or cricket shoes (rubber sole, no metal spikes indoors)
- Comfortable sportswear, layers for a cooler facility
- Water bottle
- Own bat, if they have one — otherwise academy bats are provided
What we provide
- Batting gloves, pads and helmets for all group and assessment sessions
- Match and training balls
- Bowling machine feed and setup
- Full session data report, sent to your Parent Portal
The fine print,
upfront.
24-hour notice
Cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before a session with no charge, directly from the Parent Portal. Later cancellations forfeit that session's lane fee.
No penalty for being unwell
Illness cancellations inside the 24-hour window are still credited — just let reception know before the session start time.
We're indoors — mostly unaffected
All lanes are indoors and climate-controlled. Severe weather only affects sessions in the rare event access roads are unsafe; any closure is messaged directly.
Respect, on and off the lane
Foundry expects the same standard from parents, players and coaches — full written code of conduct available at reception or on request.
A direct route, always
Any concern about coaching, safety or conduct goes straight to the academy director, acknowledged within 48 hours.
Your child's performance data
Tracking data (bat speed, bowling metrics, session video) is stored against your Portal account only and is never shared outside the coaching panel without consent.
The rest of the
Parent Hub.
Full rate card, trial offers, sibling discounts and payment options.
View pricing →Location, parking, the waiting area and what the facility tour looks like.
Plan your visit →Term dates, half-term holiday camps and academy showcase events.
See dates →Starting age, trial sessions, girls-only options and other common questions.
Read FAQs →Bookings, progress reports and payment history in one dashboard.
Preview the portal →Nutrition, injury prevention and supporting a child through a form slump.
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