Historic 180th anniversary of Yorkshire sporting club that's found formula for success in tough times for village cricket

The chairman of one of the Harrogate district’s oldest sporting institutions which has seen successive generations of the same families playing at the club has talked about its 180th anniversary and the key to its longevity.

Established in 1846, Follifoot Cricket Club has been a feature of village life for nearly 200 years, surviving two world wars with generations of players representing the village on the same ground among mature oak trees on the Rudding Estate.

Names such as the Stancliffes and Smarts, Ezarts and Walkers, recur throughout the club’s history, with the Townsend family able to trace their connections with Follifoot cricket all the way back to the teams of 1846.

While this historic club had had its difficult times in recent times, like many other cricket clubs, it has bounced back thanks to developing homegrown talent and drilling down hard on its sense of community at a times when much of life now revolves around mobile phones.

Chairman Rob Wilkins is one of those loyal regulars who has come up through the club.

He believes Follifoot Cricket Club’s longevity is down to more than simply success on its picturesque pitch, more than the cup finals and league achievements.

“We are in tough times for village cricket clubs but our playing numbers are up 25% on two years ago,” said Rob.

"We’ve brought some good players in, which is great, and we have a cracking place to play.

"We also have a really nice culture here.

"We enjoy each other’s company.

"Players and their families get together at regular social events and enjoy a drink together.”

Such has been the commitment to high standards at Follifoot Cricket Club over the years, the club is now preparing to begin an exciting new chapter in 2027 following its admission to the Yorkshire Premier League North structure after more than 60 years in the Airedale & Wharfedale Senior Cricket League.

The move represents an important step forward, providing a new competitive pathway for its senior and junior players while strengthening Follifoot’s links with cricket across the Harrogate and wider North Yorkshire area.

Chairman Rob Wilkins says part of that progress has involved adopting a model of building up a full complement of junior sides leading to a “conveyor belt” of quality players ready for the first team.

As part of a commitment to players of the future, Follifoot Cricket Club also has a girls team coming through for the first time.

"Overall, our playing numbers compared to a while back are down but our junior section is really strong,” said Rob.

"It’s great to see the girls side coming on,too.

"The club is also developing ambitious plans to improve its facilities for future generations, including new practice facilities and sight screens, together with the construction of a new pavilion and dedicated provision for female players.”

As part of its 180th anniversary celebrations Follifoot Cricket Club will host a special fixture against a Former Yorkshire XI this Sunday, August 16 at noon.

Their opponents will be captained by former Yorkshire and Scotland all-rounder Gavin Hamilton and will feature a host of familiar names from Yorkshire cricket.

But Follifoot Cricket Club retains the ethos of a village cricket club and knows it is part of something bigger than itself.

"Everyone at the club just wants cricket to do well,” said Rob.

"Village cricket clubs like our’s are all in it together.

"We try to help each other at all times."