A Cricket Club in Bristol That Actually Welcomes Everyone
Stoke Gifford CC has been part of Bristol cricket since 1930. We are small, friendly, affordable, and we genuinely mean it when we say all abilities are welcome.
What Should You Look for in a Cricket Club?
If you are looking for a cricket club in Bristol, you have got options — there are over 15 clubs across the city. But not all clubs are the same. Here is what matters:
- Will you actually play? At larger clubs, new or less experienced players can wait weeks for a game. At Stoke Gifford CC, everyone plays.
- Can you afford it? Cricket should not be an expensive sport. Our £20 annual membership is the lowest in Bristol.
- Will you feel welcome? Some clubs can be cliquey. We are a small, genuine community where new members are made to feel at home from day one.
- Is it easy to get to? We are in North Bristol, minutes from Bristol Parkway and the A4174. Free parking on match days.
How We Compare
A straightforward comparison of what you get at Stoke Gifford CC versus a typical Bristol cricket club.
| Stoke Gifford CC | Typical Bristol Club | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Membership | £20 | £50 – £150+ |
| Match Fee | £5 | £5 – £15 |
| Beginners Welcome | Yes — genuinely | Varies |
| Game Time | Everyone plays | May depend on ability |
| Teams | Saturday XI + Midweek XI | Varies (1–8 teams) |
| Location | North Bristol (near Parkway) | Various |
| Training | Thursday 6pm — open to all | Varies |
A Bristol Cricket Club Since 1930
Stoke Gifford Cricket Club has been part of the Bristol cricket scene for over 90 years. We are based at our own ground on North Road in Stoke Gifford, North Bristol — a proper cricket ground with a proper community behind it.
We compete in the Bristol & District Senior League on Saturdays and run a Midweek XI for evening T20 cricket. Our players come from across Bristol — Stoke Gifford, Bradley Stoke, Filton, Patchway, Little Stoke, and further afield.
We are not the biggest club in Bristol. We are not in the highest division. But that is what makes us special — every player matters, every player plays, and every player is welcome.
Common Questions About Our Club
Yes — at £20 per year for full playing membership and a £5 match fee per game, Stoke Gifford CC is comfortably the most affordable cricket club in Bristol. For comparison, most Bristol clubs charge between £50 and £150 for annual membership alone, with some well-known clubs going even higher. Match fees elsewhere typically range from £5 to £15 per game. Over a typical season of around 15 to 20 matches, the total cost of playing at Stoke Gifford comes to roughly £95 to £120 — significantly less than the £125 to £300 or more you might spend at a typical Bristol club. We deliberately keep our fees as low as possible because we believe cricket should be accessible to everyone in Bristol, regardless of income. There are no hidden charges for training sessions, match teas, or social events.
Our 1st XI competes in the Eighth Division North of the Bristol & District Senior League, which is a competitive but welcoming standard of Saturday league cricket. Matches are 40 overs per side, played every Saturday from late April to early September at grounds across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. The division includes other community-focused clubs of a similar size and standard, so you will not be thrown in at the deep end. Our Midweek XI plays friendly T20 matches on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in a more relaxed, social atmosphere — ideal for players who prefer shorter games or want a gentler introduction to match cricket. We are a great club for people who want proper competitive cricket without the intensity or pressure you might find in the higher divisions, and players regularly move between both teams depending on their availability and preference.
We are a smaller club with a playing membership typically in the range of 25 to 35 active players across two teams, which is actually a significant advantage for anyone looking to get regular game time. At larger Bristol clubs with six, seven, or even eight teams, new or less experienced players can find themselves waiting weeks for a game, or only playing when more senior players are unavailable. At Stoke Gifford, selection is straightforward — if you are available, you play. That means every member is a valued part of the squad from day one. Our smaller size also means the social side is strong: you get to know everyone quickly, and there is a genuine sense of team spirit and camaraderie that can be harder to find at bigger clubs. We always have room for new members.
Absolutely — and we actively encourage it. Come to a Thursday evening training session at 6pm at our North Road ground in Stoke Gifford (BS34 8PE), and you are welcome to join in with no booking, no commitment, and no cost. We have spare equipment you can borrow, so there is nothing you need to bring except trainers and a willingness to have a go. Most people find the atmosphere friendly and relaxed, and you will get a chance to bat, bowl, and meet the rest of the team. We always suggest trying a couple of sessions before deciding whether to sign up, so you can get a proper feel for the club and the people. If you enjoy it, membership is just £20 for the entire year. If it is not for you, no hard feelings at all — we are just glad you gave it a try.