Middlesex’s new home for women and girls’ cricket used 109 match and training pitches in 2026, recording around 1,700 player visits in its first season.
Players, families, and project partners gathered at the Queen Elizabeth II Ground on Swyncombe Avenue, Brentford, on Friday 18 September to celebrate the season and thank those who have helped bring the ground into use.
An invitational T20 between two teams drawn from the Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 girls’ county pathway squads put the players at the ground on the afternoon. Team Hannah Francis claimed the win against Team Hannah Davis, with families and guests enjoying food and refreshments alongside the cricket.
The season brought together girls from across the Middlesex pathway, alongside school sessions, Middlesex in the Community schools’ finals days and a girls’ event delivered in partnership with Sky. The estimated 1,700 player visits reflect repeat attendance as girls returned to train and compete.
New and replacement ball-stop netting, a new non-turf pitch and bespoke modular changing, shower and toilet facilities for two teams and match officials have strengthened the ground’s provision. The modular facilities have temporary planning permission, providing suitable accommodation while plans for a permanent pavilion are developed.
Raj Nath has been central to preparing and maintaining the ground through its first season, including the pressures of a dry summer on the outfield. Charlie Hobday and the pathway coaching team have used the additional capacity to expand the girls’ programme, supported by players and their families.
Josh Knappett, Facilities and Projects Lead for QEII Ground, said:
“QEII is already changing the experience of women and girls’ cricket in Middlesex. High-quality and dedicated facilities have enabled us to expand our girls’ programme and move closer to gender parity across the pathway. We are proud of what we have delivered this year and grateful to the partners, stakeholders, and wider community who have helped make it possible.
"As our women’s team aspires to full professionalisation and the masterplan progresses, our ambition is to set a new standard for the facilities and opportunities we offer, giving more women and girls the support to fulfil their potential with Middlesex.”
Middlesex thanked Hounslow Council for its practical and financial support, including Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy funding. Councillor Salman Shaheen has been involved since the project’s early discussions, with continued engagement from councillors and officers helping the development progress.
The ground gives Hounslow a permanent home for women and girls’ cricket, with school and community activity extending its benefits beyond the county pathway.
The Leader of Hounslow Council, Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, said:
"We applaud the efforts of everyone at the QEII ground this year, particularly given the challenging summer they've just worked and played through.
"It's wonderful to see the women's games establishing in Hounslow and we're proud to partner with Middlesex Cricket in improving the club's offer for all."
Cllr Salman Shaheen, Hounslow's Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Public Realm, said:
"We are so pleased to welcome Middlesex’s new home for women and girls’ cricket to Brentford, and we are proud to have supported this vital project from the beginning. Giving women's and girls' cricket a permanent home shows how important it is that every girl has the opportunity to play, compete and succeed.
"It is especially inspiring to see local schoolchildren getting involved and experiencing the game first-hand. Sport has the power to build confidence, improve wellbeing and bring communities together, creating pride in where we live and helping the next generation reach their full potential."
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has supported the project through investment and ongoing advice, helping Middlesex develop its first owned ground as a home for women and girls’ cricket.
ECB Director of Facilities, Bruce Cruse, said:
“It’s great to see the impact QEII is already having on women and girls’ cricket in Middlesex. We’re proud to invest in facilities which welcome more people into our sport and help fuel the growth of the women’s and girls’ game.”
Middlesex also recognised the support of Sport England, Middlesex in the Community, the Club’s Board and senior leadership, and NBF Partnership’s design team. Richard Sykes addressed guests during the afternoon.
Josh Knappett thanks members of ECB, Hounslow Council and project partners at QEII ground
The wider masterplan includes the ambition for a permanent pavilion designed around the needs of women and girls. Middlesex will continue working with project partners, local residents and the wider community as those plans develop, with good neighbour relationships a priority.
Middlesex thanks everyone who contributed to the ground’s first season and helped deliver the celebration.
