39,500 volunteers and 1,800 clubs take part as England stars join a record-breaking Get Set Weekend 2026, powered by Toyota

• Across England and Wales, more than 39,500 volunteers supported over 1,800 clubs to get ready for the season - the biggest Get Set Weekend, powered by Toyota on record.

• England players Lauren Bell, Issy Wong and Sam Curran joined volunteers at St Albans Cricket Club to prepare for the season.

• Toyota’s title partnership continues to strengthen grassroots cricket and celebrate the people who make the game happen.

More than 39,500 volunteers came together across England and Wales for Get Set Weekend 2026, powered by Toyota, marking the largest mobilisation of volunteers in the event’s history.

At St Albans Cricket Club, England stars Lauren Bell, Issy Wong and Sam Curran joined local volunteers to help prepare the ground for the new season, swapping international stadiums for brushes, rollers and boundary ropes. Their visit highlighted the impact volunteers have at every level of the game - including on the journeys of players who go on to represent England.

Get Set Weekend has become the key moment that signals the start of the cricket season, with clubs using the weekend to tidy grounds, refresh facilities and reconnect their communities.

This year’s record participation reflects the strength and commitment of volunteers across the game, with thousands giving their time to ensure clubs are ready to welcome players of all ages this summer.

As title partner, Toyota supported clubs across England and Wales, reinforcing its support for grassroots cricket and the volunteers who make it possible.

Leshia Hawkins, ECB Managing Director, Recreational Game, said:

“Get Set Weekend continues to show the very best of our game. To see more than 39,500 volunteers supporting over 1,800 clubs this year is extraordinary, and a powerful reminder that cricket simply wouldn’t happen without the people who give their time, energy and passion to their local communities. Their commitment is what keeps clubs thriving, inspires new players to get involved and ensures cricket continues to bring communities together. We’re incredibly indebted and grateful to every volunteer who rolled up their sleeves for a record-breaking weekend, and to Toyota for their continued support in championing the grassroots game.”

Lauren Bell said:

“Get Set Weekend is a great initiative. I remember helping my dad at the cricket club when I was younger, and it always brought everyone together. It really kicks off the excitement for the summer and helps clubs get everything in place to start playing outdoors again, which is what everyone’s been working toward all winter.”

Sam Curran said:

“It’s great to come down to St Albans CC and see so many volunteers giving up their Saturday afternoon to help their club. I’ve been out there working on the sightscreens, and there are loads of kids around too, which is brilliant to see. The support Toyota has given this initiative makes a real difference. It’s important for the community, and there are clubs all over the country that rely on this kind of help. It’s been fantastic to be here and see it all firsthand.”

Luigi Ksawery Luca’, President and Managing Director at Toyota, said:

“As we enter our second year as Principal Partner of the ECB, our commitment to grassroots cricket is stronger than ever. We’re proud to power the ECB’s Get Set Weekend, and our focus remains firmly on growing the game and providing tangible support to the people who make this sport so special. We’re delighted to play a role in the ECB’s mission to help the next generation of players, volunteers and fans thrive, and we’re looking forward to an exciting summer of cricket ahead.”

In the coming weeks, the ECB will share a feature celebrating the volunteers at St Albans Cricket Club, alongside a short film capturing activities from the event. Both will continue to highlight the central message of the weekend: that cricket at every level depends on the passion, generosity and commitment of its volunteers.