The Cricketer unveils Cawston Press as National Village Cup headline sponsor

More than 400 clubs have entered the 2026 competition – a modern-day record

The Cricketer is delighted to announce Cawston Press as the headline sponsor of the National Village Cup.

The partnership means the historic tournament, first played in 1972 and featuring a flagship annual final at Lord's, will be known as the Cawston Press Village Cup for the next two seasons.

The announcement comes after more than 400 clubs from across England, Scotland and Wales entered the 2026 competition – a modern-day record.

Established in 1986, Cawston Press has been producing premium soft drinks made from natural ingredients for the past 40 years – including sparkling juice drinks, pressed juices and fruit waters.

Steve Kearns, managing director of Cawston Press, said: "Just like the Village Cup, we’ve been inspired by the friends, families, flavours and rituals at the heart of British rural life ever since we made our first drink.

"We are proud to be the headline sponsor, allowing us to support and engage with exactly the kind of communities from which our brand emerged.

"We're excited for the tournament to start in the spring and can’t wait to see what refreshing twists and turns will come on the road to Lord’s over the course of this summer."

Related: Foxton Granta defend Voneus Village Cup title thanks to record-breaker Kaufman

This year’s Village Cup, which has been run by The Cricketer since its inception, will see Cambridgeshire club Foxton Granta attempt to win an unprecedented third straight title, after they retained the trophy in September by beating Cheshire side Stayley at Lord’s.

Jim Hindson, managing director of The Cricketer, said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Cawston Press as headline sponsor of the Village Cup.

"As the leading provider of premium soft drinks, Cawston Press are sure to provide the perfect refreshment for any spectator enjoying a game of cricket this summer – not to mention thirsty players up and down the land as they fight for the right to play in a dream final at the Home of Cricket.

"The Village Cup is the only sporting event in the world that provides such a genuine 'Roy of the Rovers' experience for 4,500 participants.

"Partnering with this grassroots tournament will place Cawston Press at the beating heart of the communities the competition serves across the UK."

The Cawston Press Village Cup starts in April 2026 with entrants initially competing across 32 regional groups. The group winners then enter a national draw that culminates in a final at Lord’s on Sunday, September 6 2026.

For more information about Cawston Press, visit www.cawstonpress.com