Shining the Light.
Starting a women’s softball section from scratch isn’t easy. Even when the desire is there, volunteers running the clubs have doubts and fears; “Will we really be able to attract the numbers?” “Who will coach them?” “How will we find the space at our ground for the training and matches?” are just a few questions to pop up for Nick Speight, welfare officer and coach at Great Horton Park Chapel in Bradford. However, after months of planning and talking about it, it finally happened. On Thursday 15th April, a group of women of all ages, some who were picking up a cricket bat for the first time, arrived at the ground feeling nervous about their fitness and ability. The nerves soon disappeared. They were met by the friendly faces of coaches Shivanie Patel and Kirsty Gavillet from Bradford Park Avenue Ladies, who made the session fun and accessible.
Sabina Speight has been wanting to try cricket for a while:
“I’m always watching the men, and just thought why shouldn’t we have a go? It might be a good laugh and I really need to get fit too!”
Nick Speight has supported the women all the way:
“It’s just been great to see the smiles and laughter on the women’s faces. I’m so interested to see how my wife gets on. She needs something like this. I’m hoping she’ll go a bit easier on me when she sees me make mistakes in my matches!”
You can read more from our Women & Girls' cricket blog - Shining the Light, by clicking HERE.
Story by Katie Stewart
k.stewart@yorkshirecb.com
@katieycb
Please contact Katie with your stories!