In 2025, Finland fielded its first-ever Junior Bears team, competing against international opposition from Switzerland, Sweden and Estonia in under-15 T20 competitions in Finland. Plans are under way to arrange more international games in the summer of 2026.
The Junior Bears pathway is a vital part of Cricket Finland’s longer-term plans for its men’s and women’s national teams, who play in ICC-sanctioned international series throughout Europe. Finland will again be hosting a European qualifying tournament for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup this coming summer.
Now is the opportunity for other promising young players to attend trials to be considered for the Junior Bears squad in 2026.
The try-outs will be held at the Pallomylly indoor arena Pikajuoksijankuja 9, 00950 HELSINKI on Saturday 31 January 2026, registration starts at 13.30; the session starts 14.00 and finishes with debrief 16.30).
***********************
Information on the trials
It is important that parents read ALL of the following (in particular the last section for parents) to understand what is required of both the players and parents, should their junior be invited to join the squad for the coming year.
There are a number of criteria candidates must fulfil to be eligible.
Candidates must:
- be at least 13 years old on 31 January 2026;
- have been born AFTER 1 September 2010;
In addition, candidates will need to demonstrate a full understanding or experience of the following.
- All the fundamental aspects of cricket.
- How to bowl with a fully developed, legal bowling action (bowling with a straight arm, no throwing or “chucking”).
- Batting techniques, an ability to display a range of shots and how to run between the wickets.
- The fundamentals of fielding (ground fielding/catching/throwing/wicketkeeping/backing up) and good knowledge of cricket fielding positions.
- Playing with a hard leather ball (or indoor yellow hard ball).
- How to correctly fit and wear protective equipment (helmet, pads, gloves, abdominal guards).
- A willingness to learn, ask questions, be an enthusiastic team member and understand the standards and behaviour expected of national team players.
- Self-discipline and good time-keeping.
All candidates must turn up on time. Late-comers will not be accepted. An introduction to the day will be given before the on-field activities.
The trials will involve candidates playing in match-style situations with and against current Junior Bears players, using a hard indoor yellow ball and full protective playing equipment. They will get the chance to bowl, bat and field (and keep wicket if appropriate). Please bring any personal equipment you have; but do note that some protective equipment and bats will be available to use on the day for those that do not have any.
Candidates will also have the chance to demonstrate their cricketing skills one on one with Bears coaches, outside of a match situation. This could involve demonstrating bowling actions, batting to balls fed by a coach or fielding drills.
Information about the required commitment (especially for parents to know)
National team training (shared with the men’s and women’s national squads) takes place weekly (every Thursday evening and some Saturdays) in the Greater Helsinki region (in Vantaa, Kerava and Myllypuro, Helsinki) until April. When outdoor training begins, sessions can be in Kerava (at the National Cricket Ground) and in Tikkurila. Any player joining the squad must be able to commit to attending regularly. Effort is always encouraged among parents of current squad members to share lifts.
Parents should know that there is a financial implication for those accepted to the squad, to cover the costs of venue hire, national team clothing and equipment. This is not excessive, but be aware that some payment will be required and is a flat payment (that is, it is not based on how many sessions a player attends). It is therefore important to understand that acceptance to the squad involves a small financial commitment.
For candidates from Turku (two of the current Junior Bears squad are based in Turku) who are unable to attend the regular weekday sessions in the Helsinki area, do note that we have a Junior Bears coach based in Turku who will be running a training programme for players in that area. Please do not be discouraged from attending despite the sessions being mostly held in the Helsinki area!
We look forward to seeing you on 31 January! If you have any questions beforehand, please contact Cricket Finland’s Junior Pathway Co-ordinator, Maija Hyotylainen, juniors@cricketfinland.com.
Link to sign up the Trials: https://www.suomisport.fi/events/4561c857-32eb-4273-b765-1c1eea307d48
