Community cricket celebration
Children from across Gloucestershire came together in the October half term, for a celebration of community cricket programmes.
Participants from our Gloucestershire Wicketz and Super 1s programme, recently joined up with Chance to Shine Street at City Academy in Bristol for a day of awards, workshops and matches.
There was some tremendous cricket on show in both the junior and senior groups, including a super over to decide the winner of one closely contested match. But days like the Community Awards Day, and community programmes in general, are about more than what is taking place between the wickets.
Workshops are a vital part of the work the coaches do with children, preparing them for the future. During the day, each team had to build the tallest tower using spaghetti and marshmallows. The aim of this was to build communication skills and teamwork, and some impressive structures were on display.
On the day, the awards were handed out for more than cricketing performance, the coaches also considered attitude and personal development throughout the year. Signed shirts by Gloucestershire County Cricket Club’s Cameron Bancroft were special prizes awarded for achievement on the day.
“It’s brilliant to see participants from the GCF Chance to Shine Street, and the Lord’s Taverners programmes coming together for this holiday event.” said Wicketz Development Officer, Sam Emmott.
“A great chance for everyone involved to learn new skills, take on some leadership challenges and celebrate everything they’ve achieved this year. The day has been full of energy, with players getting stuck into some healthy competition and showing great sportsmanship. It’s a brilliant way to recognise their hard work and growth — not just as cricketers, but as confident young leaders who support one another on and off the pitch.”
Katie Holland, the charities Wicketz Programme Manager, attended the event. “It was a fantastic day seeing community cricket programmes come together to play, learn, and celebrate their achievements. The focus on leadership was incredibly fitting, and the workshop was both fun and creative, keeping young people fully engaged throughout. It was also the first time I’ve seen Super 1s participants leading activities for Wicketz participants, and it’s certainly something we at Lord’s Taverners want to see more of.
They showed fantastic leadership and professionalism, and the engagement from the Wicketz participants was brilliant to see. I left feeling privileged to have witnessed such a wonderful day of cricket and celebration- this is exactly what cricket is all about: inclusion, fun, friendship, and learning life skills.”
It was a brilliant day with the children laughing and smiling throughout, with all the cricket played with a competitive spirit, but there was encouragement to teammates and opposition alike.
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