Glow in the Dark Cricket Shines Light on Girls' Game

Leicestershire CCC has continued its commitment to championing the Women’s and Girls’ game with a new ‘Glow in the Dark’ cricket festival.

The ECB-funded festival, which was delivered by LCCC’s community team at Wigston Academy earlier this month, celebrated a 10-week programme that saw 388 girls across years seven, eight and nine partake in after-school taster sessions.

The vibrant, fast-paced version of street cricket utilises UV reactive equipment and clothing to create an exciting ‘glow in the dark’ effect, and has become incredibly popular with secondary school students across the country.

Coaches from the Club’s community team wrapped traditional cricketing equipment in UV tape, before providing neon bibs, glow sticks, and face paint to illuminate the room after the lights went off.

The session, led by coaches Aimee Colquhoun and Mira Patel, began with energetic fielding drills before progressing into a classic game of ‘Countdown Cricket’, with both activities soundtracked by current chart-toppers to enhance the festival atmosphere.

Commenting on the day, Vishal Mistry, LCCC Cricket Development Officer for Young People, said: “The programme proved to be a huge success. We engaged teenage girls who otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to play cricket and this festival rounded off a fantastic 10 weeks.”

Jack Dandalo, Joint-Head of PE at Wigston Academy, added: “It’s been fantastic. We’ve had students that have never picked up a cricket bat or bowled a ball that have really taken to it.

“It’s been brilliant to see kids that aren’t normally involved in any kind of sport taking part and really enjoying their cricket. Hopefully it’s something that continues to grow in the long run.”

To watch highlights from the festival at Wigston Academy, click HERE.

For more information on Leicestershire CCC in the Community’s ‘glow in the dark’ sessions, please contact vishalmistry@leicestershireccc.co.uk.