I am the Inclusive Development Officer and Schools Lead for Cumbria Cricket, working with organisations including the Lord's Taverners, Chance to Shine, Youth Sport Trust, Active Cumbria, Local Councils to create inclusive opportunities for young people across the county.
I also work closely with cricket clubs including Burneside Cricket Club, Barrow Cricket Club, Carlisle Cricket Club and Penrith Cricket Club who host our Super 1s cricket sessions and support disability cricket development in their local communities.
I have been involved in disability cricket for around eight years. My journey began while delivering table cricket sessions at a local leisure centre, and since then I have remained passionate about making cricket accessible for everyone.
I love my inclusive role because it is all about providing opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy cricket. We deliver sessions in a wide range of schools, giving students the opportunity to participate in softball and table cricket competitions. These experiences help young people build confidence, teamwork and resilience, while also creating lasting memories.
One of my proudest achievements has been supporting teams from Cumbria to reach the National Table Cricket Finals for the past four consecutive years. This success reflects the dedication of our players, schools, volunteers and development team.
As Schools Lead, I work to ensure cricket is delivered in as many areas as possible, helping children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the game. We have a fantastic team of development officers who deliver engaging school sessions and local competitions that inspire young people to get active and involved in cricket.
If you are a female interested in getting involved in cricket, there are so many opportunities available. We are always looking for female coaches to inspire the next generation, so keep an eye out for coaching courses running in your area. There are also countless volunteering opportunities within local clubs, and any extra support is always valued — you do not need extensive cricket knowledge to make a difference.
For those wanting to play, there are now more opportunities than ever before for girls and women, including All Stars, Dynamos, softball cricket, hardball teams and local club cricket.
There are also fantastic opportunities within disability cricket for girls and women. Super 1s sessions and Disability Champion Clubs provide welcoming and inclusive environments where everyone can enjoy the game and develop their confidence both on and off the field.