More info.
Girls across West Yorkshire are invited to join one of the MCC Foundation cricket hubs starting in January 2022. The training programmes, based in Leeds and Bradford will last 10 weeks from the end of January and will provide an opportunity for girls to train with other girls of their age with a focus on improving skills during the winter. The places are free, thanks to funding from the MCC Foundation, the charitable arm of the Marylebone Cricket Club. The aim of the charity is to transform lives through cricket, and it’s hoped the hubs will recruit girls from diverse backgrounds and nurture talent.
The Leeds all girls hub will be held at Cardinal Heenan School on Sunday mornings. The lead coach, Northern Diamonds’ Rachel Slater, recently landed her first professional contract and is looking forward to coaching:
“It’s a great opportunity for girls to learn and improve in a fun environment. It's a really exciting time for women and girls cricket and I’m looking forward to working with this group!”
Meanwhile, the girls hub in Bradford, based at Woodlands CC on Saturday afternoons, achieved success beyond the girls’ wildest dreams in 2021. The Under 15s team fought their way to the National Tournament finals at Lord’s - and came away with the trophy and memories they will treasure forever.
“I have learnt a whole new load of skills from in depth coaching, opportunity to play in a full girls team against other girls, structured training and given confidence in my game and self. Also, it’s great to have a coach who has full confidence in the team and as individuals. Some highlights being going down to London to play at Harrow and Scarborough, which has then led us to play at Lord’s in the final. It has also been great to connect with other girls who play cricket as you can then learn things about your game off of one another.” - Emily Hall
“It's been an extremely positive experience, it has enabled me to play more women's cricket and I have had some amazing coaching that has really helped me improve and feel more confident in my performance. In addition, I've been able to make some great friendships, all of us sharing that passion for cricket in common.” - Ellis Rawlin
“Training with the MCCF Bradford hub this year has been such a fun and enjoyable experience with a group of girls that work well with each other both on and off the field. We are led by coaches who are confident in us, enabling the team to perform to the best of our ability whether it is giving you an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone or to give us knowledge that we can put into the game.” - Amy Brown-Carrera
“I have really enjoyed playing at the Bradford hub this season. It has helped me develop as a player and gain confidence in my ability." - Sarah Wood
The deadline for registering for the hubs has been extended to January 17th 2022. The programmes are aimed at girls aged between 10-16 (changed from 11-15 last year to allow more opportunities for more girls!). You can register for either programme via the links below:
For more information, please contact: