MCC Universities are University Centres of Cricketing Excellence (formerly UCCEs), where talented young cricketers aspiring to a career in the game can also further their academic education whilst still receiving an unrivalled level of cricket coaching and competitive match play.

The scheme was initially launched in 2000 by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), who worked closely with the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) and the Professional Cricketers Association, both organisations being fully supportive of the scheme. In 2005 Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the worlds best-known and most active cricket club, took over the funding and running of the programme, having been major supporters of university cricket since 2003. As well as being the owner of Lord’s and Guardian of the Laws of Cricket, MCC itself plays over 450 matches annually, both in the UK and overseas. MCC actively encourage UCCE players to become Playing Members of their Club and represent them in out-matches and tours overseas. Over the last 5 years cricketers from Leeds/Bradford represented MCC on tours to Finland & Estonia, France, Bahrain, Uganda, Mozambique and Argentina as they continue work with the International Cricket Council to promote cricket around the world.

Committing oneself to forging a career in cricket rather than pursuing a path to an academic or vocational qualification can be a daunting decision. Many people dream of a career in their chosen sport but are often afraid to take the risk of leaving behind their studies. The UCCEs provide the best of both worlds; a first class academic education together with a first class cricket education – which can lead on to a first-class cricket career, whilst offering greater security through improved career opportunities outside the game.

A number of UCCE students have already gone on to make a mark at both national and international levels, such as James Foster (Essex & England), Andrew Strauss (Middlesex & England), Monty Panesar (Northants/Sussex & England), Caroline Atkins (England women), Jamie Dalrymple (Middlesex/Glamorgan & England) and William Porterfield(Gloucestershire & Ireland).

There are six UCCEs around the country; Cardiff/Glamorgan, Cambridge, Durham, Loughborough, Oxford and here at Leeds/Bradford.