The Clare School are eager to make their ‘golden ticket’ count after being awarded late qualification to the 2024 National Table Cricket Finals Day at Lord’s.

The Lord’s Taverners national table cricket competition sees young people with disabilities representing schools from across the country, setting their sights on what for some will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to play at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Table cricket is an adapted version of the traditional game, played on a table tennis table, and is much more accessible to young people living with severe physical or learning disabilities, particularly wheelchair users, who have limited opportunities to participate in sport.

After suffering a gutting defeat to Suffolk One in the regional finals, it looked like Clare would have to put their nationals dreams on hold.

However, a late drop-out has given the Norwich-based special school a lifeline in the competition, with a place now booked for the final on Thursday  June 27.

“We found out that a school has dropped out and that we have been awarded a golden ticket to the finals,” said head of PE Gary Hydon.

“I can’t tell you how excited the team is. They are already talking tactics and how much they are looking forward to the event.

“The pupils at Clare School take table cricket very seriously and love playing during curriculum time and working towards the various skill level awards I host every year.”

Making sporting involvement far more accessible for young people with disabilities, Clare’s students have more than reaped the rewards of greater activity, enjoying both the competitive and social aspects of table cricket.

And while the aim will be to leave Lord’s as national champions, Hydon is keen to emphasise the wider importance of taking part.

Hydon added: “We celebrate success at every opportunity, aiming to enable all pupils to reach their individual potential.

“We celebrate the smallest of achievements because we truly understand how big these are to our pupils and their families. We are proud of our pupils and everything they achieve.

“We will advocate and champion our pupils, breaking down barriers, assumptions and preconceptions to ensure that we do not limit what our pupils can achieve.

“Table cricket has helped with all of this.”

Much of the Lord’s Taverners work in cricket for young people with disabilities is made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded by the Postcode Active Trust, in addition to support from the ECB and Sport England.

And Clare’s success in table cricket has to a large extent been down to the enthusiasm of Hydon, who has been pushing the sport ever since being introduced to it close to 25 years ago.

“We received our first table cricket kit and I knew straight away by the look of excitement in the pupils' eyes  whilst playing that this was a game for us.

“We practised and then participated in our first competition which was held back then at Stoke Mandeville where we all slept in dorms.

“I remember thinking after this event - even though our team didn't win - that this was something for us, and that it would definitely catch on. Every pupil involved got something out of it and it was a pleasure to witness.

“Ever since that day, I have entered at least two teams every year. I became Head of Physical Education back in 2008 and made it my mission to provide this incredible game to as many pupils as I could.”

The Lord’s Taverners impacts the lives of young people facing the challenges of inequality. The charity works across the UK and beyond to provide inclusive and impactful cricket programmes, empowering young people with disabilities and from disadvantaged communities – visit www.lordstaverners.org