From the classroom to the cricket ground
In May, a group of Lionheart pupils gathered at Leicestershire County Cricket Club’s (LCCC) iconic Uptonsteel County Ground for a special presentation event marking the grand finale of a dynamic kit design competition – a creative challenge brought to life through our exclusive partnership with the club.
For this innovative competition, pupils were challenged to design a brand-new T20 shirt for the players and fans to wear during the 2025 season. After receiving hundreds of vibrant and colourful entries, 10 shortlisted pupils were invited to pitch their ideas to representatives from LCCC – including the captains of both the Men’s and Women’s teams – before supporters were given the chance to vote for their favourite design from a final five.
It was Vaneesha, a Year 5 pupil from Broom Leys Primary School, whose design stole the show and ultimately won the competition. Taking inspiration from the club’s nickname – ‘The Foxes’ – her jersey featured a bold colour scheme with a prominent fox logo proudly displayed in the centre. The winning kit will now be worn by the LCCC squad throughout the 2025 Vitality Blast season, which kicks off in late May.
At the presentation event, Vaneesha was awarded a framed replica of her shirt, by Women’s team players Aimee Colquhoun and Holly Whitfield – both proudly sporting the new design. She also received complimentary tickets to the Club’s upcoming ‘Lionheart Day’ home fixture against Durham Cricket on 6th June.
The four runners-up Owen (The Castle Rock School), Amber (The Cedars Academy), Maya (The Castle Rock School) and Shameer (Beauchamp College) were also recognised for their outstanding efforts, each receiving a framed print of their impressive kit designs.
All five finalists were also given complimentary tickets to any LCCC match of their choice, courtesy of Club CEO Sean Jarvis, who concluded the event with a heartfelt speech. He praised the strength of the partnership between Lionheart and LCCC, and the wealth of opportunities it continues to provide for Lionheart’s young people and their families.
It was a memorable occasion that celebrated the creativity and talent of our pupils, highlighting the joy of learning through sport and collaboration.
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Lionheart Educational Trust