Somerset Cricket Foundation is using innovative ways to get girls into cricket from Somerset players providing masterclass sessions to the launch of unique Mindfulness Cricket sessions in February.
The Somerset Cricket Foundation works with local state schools and clubs to ensure a welcoming environment and removing fears about trying something new, with initiatives such as ‘Glow In The Dark Cricket’, a winter Girls Training Programme as well as the new mindfulness sessions.
Almost 500 girls have enjoyed one of the varied initiatives which aim to give as many young girls the chance to engage with cricket in ways they might not thought of previously.
“Girls cricket is expanding rapidly in Somerset, and it is a privilege to work with the foundation providing new, fun and unique opportunities,” the Somerset Foundation’s Women and Girls Development Officer Amber Casely said.
“Our aim at the foundation is to make cricket accessible for all, to build on the successes and continue to grow and develop the girls’ game.
“We have seen significant growth and interest in the uptake of our initiatives and programmes and I am very proud to be a part of inspiring the next generation. Our ambition is to encourage even more girls to take up cricket and continue to provide initiatives that prove that cricket is a game for all to take part in.”
The aim of the mindfulness sessions held in February was to provide girls with techniques to help ease anxieties and worries they might have when playing cricket.
“The mindfulness sessions came together incredibly well,” said Casely. “They provided the girls with at least three breathing techniques which they can put into practise when playing cricket and, if they wanted, in their day-to-day life.
“By providing them with coping mechanisms and relevant breathing techniques we hope this will equip them to eliminate personal barriers and therefore allow the girls to be comfortable and confident in managing the emotions when playing the game.”
This year Somerset will host a professional women’s county team that will, for the first time, play alongside the men’s team in the Vitality Blast and Metro Bank One-Day Cup.
It is the next step in the rise and rise of women’s cricket and, with England Women in town for their Metro Bank One-Day International against West Indies on Saturday 7 June, there’s plenty of top-level cricket to inspire the next generation.
