Rohan Chowdhury in Leeds
While the Headingley Cricket Ground, which is also the home venue for the Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC), had just hosted the high-voltage Test match between India and England, but tucked away behind the main scoreboard is a quieter yet deeply significant presence—the Yorkshire County Cricket Supporters’ Association (YCCSA). Founded in 1981 by a group of dedicated Yorkshire fans, the YCCSA has spent over four decades supporting the Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) through fan engagement, fundraising, and community-building efforts.
Since its inception, the YCCSA has donated nearly £100,000 to the club. Their contributions have included practical essentials such as helmets for junior players, cricket balls for academy games, and even interactive whiteboards to aid in coaching. They’ve also supported the development of young talent by funding overseas winter training for promising players, with £2,000 spent on this initiative in 2023 alone. The association also celebrates rising stars annually with awards like Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year, previously given to current England internationals such as Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, and Harry Brook.
A key part of their visibility and fundraising effort is “The Kabin”, a small merchandise stall on matchdays that offers Yorkshire-themed souvenirs. Here, fans can find affordable memorabilia like badges (£3.50), car stickers (£2), earrings (£4.50), fridge magnets (£3), and even Yorkshire-themed gnomes ranging from £5 to £10. Other items include mugs (£7.50), lanyards, keyrings, pens, notepads, and scorecards, most priced between £1 and £3.50.
Beyond merchandise, the YCCSA organizes a rich calendar of events throughout the year. During autumn and winter, they host five Sunday afternoon cricket-themed meetings at Headingley, featuring guest speakers from the cricketing world, including players, coaches, and journalists. Seasonal lunches—pre-season, post-season, and Christmas—are held at Headingley Golf Club, while matchday events during the County Championship games in Scarborough include a supper night and quiz night at local venues. For example, in 2025, planned events include a supper on July 24 at Taylor’s Bar, a quiz night on July 31 at Scarborough Railway Men’s Club, and speaker sessions in October and November, including one by former player Anthony McGrath.
During a visit to the Kabin, which is basically a small box wooden cabin inside the stadium premises, committee member Paul Rockett shared insights into the association’s history and purpose. A Yorkshire supporter since 1957 and a member since 1963, Paul explained, “We were formed to support the cricket club by going to matches, obviously, but also to raise money for things that the club itself couldn’t afford.” He continued, “We’ve always supplied cricket balls for the young academy players. And, you know, we sometimes have supported young cricketers who have gone abroad during the winter to learn.” Speaking about the association’s activities, he said, “We run The Kabin, a shop, and during match days we sell various items—badges, fridge magnets, pens, scorecards, things—and obviously earn money there.
“We have meetings every month during the winter, which involve people from the club coming to talk to the association. And again, we raise money there. So generally, that’s the kind of thing that we do.”
He estimates that about 100 to 120 people are actively engaged with the association. As for matchday attendance, Paul said, “For a day, 1,500. And for a T20, about 5,000.”
Also Read: Cricket, Costumes, and Chants: A Colourful Carnival at Headingley
He also elaborated on the symbolism of the Yorkshire Rose that features on the club’s badge. “The Yorkshire Cricket Club is basically the whole of Yorkshire. And although Headingley is its centre, there are groups all around the county, and it does mean a lot to people. They might not necessarily come to matches, but they keep very much in touch through radio and live streams on YouTube and things like this.”
Ben Sanders, another member of the association, explained on the badge, saying, “That’s the Yorkshire Rose. Back in the Late Victorian Era, and then in the 1890s and 1910s, we had a captain called Lord Hawke, who made the Yorkshire badge, which has got 11 petals all in like a semicircle, with a green stalk coming down to it.”
“That represents the players on the pitch—the 11 we’ve got on the pitch”, added Ben.
However, the merchandise at the Kabin has the Yorkshire County Flag or Logo and not the Cricket Club logo because they are not allowed to use or sell those, as that is only the property of the club. “We aren’t allowed to sell the actual club merchandise. That’s only available on the club shop or website. We have the Yorkshire merchandise, but our aim is to support the club”, said Ben. “We purchase in bulk from wholesalers, and sell them here”, he added about their operations.
When asked about the visibility of Yorkshire’s fan culture, especially when compared to football, Paul admitted, “It’s not quite as obvious. Because with football, you can see the scarves. And I mean, it’s cold, so people are wrapped up. In summer—well, apart from today (which was a chilly day) — people don’t wrap up in things like scarves. But you will see a lot of people with badges on their hats. Some of the ladies have the earrings. But it’s not quite as obvious as football.”
Despite this, the YCCSA, much like its members, continues to be a steadfast and passionate supporter of Yorkshire cricket. It remains rooted in the values of loyalty, service, and a deep love for the game. Whether you’re a long-time member or a newcomer passing by the Kabin on a sunny afternoon, you’re invited to become a part of that quiet but powerful story, perhaps grab a badge and support the cause.
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