Glenys Odams | 1932 - 2025

Leicestershire CCC is deeply saddened to learn the news of Glenys Odams’ passing, aged 92.

Serving on the Board for 20 years, Glenys became a trailblazer for the sport in 1976, becoming the first woman to be elected on to a first-class county cricket committee, a momentous stride forward in the progression of women’s rights within cricket.

Her appointment followed a 25-year association as a supporter of the club, having moved to Leicester from Northamptonshire in the 1950s.

Glenys also played a crucial part in organising fundraising efforts after becoming the first Joint Secretary of the Friends of Grace Road “ arranging 'knit-ins', skittle evenings, fashion shows, book sales, Christmas markets, treasure hunts and sports quizzes to name a few.

A passionate cricket fan, Glenys fell in love with the game after watching her local side in Corby, before being inspired by the likes of Denis Compton as she became an ardent watcher and listener of Test cricket.

After relocating to Leicester, Glenys would later describe Grace Road as her ‘second home’. So much so, she chose the Illingworth Suite at Uptonsteel County Ground as a venue to mark her 90th birthday celebrations during 2022’s County Championship fixture against Middlesex.

The legacy she leaves on cricket will remain forever.

The thoughts of everyone at Leicestershire CCC are with Glenys’ children; Tim, Helen and Sally, as well as all of Glenys’ extended family and friends.