Graham Gooch continues support of player development through £20,000 Cricketers’ Trust donation

The Graham Gooch Foundation has donated £20,000 to the Cricketers’ Trust to support the education and development of young players.

Founded by the former England and Essex Captain Graham Gooch, the charity supports aspiring cricketing talent while promoting community participation within the game, through the values of teamwork, discipline, respect and fair play.

The England batting legend has donated this sum to the Trust to support the PCA’s projects of ‘Snus and Athlete Use’ and ‘Money Skills’ education programmes.

The Cricketers’ Trust is the charity associated with the PCA, and it strives to support both current and former professional cricketers and their families with wellbeing, education and personal development, alongside offering assistance to those who have suffered from injury, physical and mental illness or financial hardship.

Development

The work of the Graham Gooch Foundation aligns closely with the Trust through a shared commitment to supporting the development of cricketers on and off the field.

The donation builds on the existing relationship between the charities, following the Graham Gooch Foundation’s direct support of the 2023 and 2024 Rookie Camps, at which time it was known as the Graham Gooch Scholarship.

These camps were attended by a total of 95 young male and female professionals and covered a wide range of relevant topics, such as social media use, financial wellbeing and the dangers of gambling.

In addition to supporting the Rookie Camps, Gooch partnered with the Cricketers’ Trust in 2025 in organising the inaugural Golf Invitational in Portugal. This three-day event in the Algarve raised £45,000 through various raffles and Golf challenges.

The 73-year-old has also participated in other fundraising events in aid of the Trust, including his Coast to Coast Walk and two Three Peaks Challenges in 2018 and 2019.

Vital

This donation of £20,000 is vital funding to continue the work of the Trust and will help develop new initiatives to support the players, specifically regarding providing information around the use of Snus and educating players on money skills.

The funding comes at a time when player education is a large area of focus for the PCA, with programmes designed to help young professionals make informed decisions regarding their health, wellbeing and finances throughout their careers, in order to maintain a structure when their time as a player comes to an end.

Speaking on BBC TMS at Lord’s, Graham Gooch said:“It’s my way of giving back to the game and it was a privilege to be welcomed into the huddle to present the cheque for £20,000 and have a picture with Joe (Root).

“All these players may or may not benefit from the Cricketers’ Trust but they do great work, they give educational courses to young players and help those that fall on hard times and ex-players that need medical assistance.

“The Cricketers’ Trust helps past, present and future players who might need support so I’m really honoured to be able to help the Trust through the Graham Gooch Foundation.”

By investing in player education, the Graham Gooch Foundation is helping to ensure that young professionals are well prepared for opportunities and challenges that come with a career in cricket. The donation reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to developing well-rounded individuals and supporting players throughout their journey in the game.

Gooch received the PCA Outstanding Contribution Award in 2025 for his incredible contributions to the game over his illustrious career.

Generous

PCA Chief Executive and Cricketers’ Trust Trustee, Daryl Mitchell, said:“Graham’s generous donation to the Cricketers’ Trust highlights his ongoing support and commitment to the game and all those who play and have played it.

“The education of young players is vital in ensuring their wellbeing and development. The PCA and the Graham Gooch Foundation are working together to provide opportunities for all players who need it. We are extremely grateful to Graham and the Foundation for their continued support of our members.”

PCA Managing Director and Cricketers’ Trust Trustee, Ian Thomas, said: “The ongoing support of the Graham Gooch Foundation is a highly valued asset to both the PCA and the Cricketers’ Trust. Graham has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the development of young professional cricketers.

“Thanks to his support the Trust is able to launch new initiatives on important topics which will lead to the increased wellbeing of our members.

“On behalf of the PCA and Cricketers’ Trust I would like to thank Graham for his generosity and dedication to helping our cause.”

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