Women’s and Girls Game Rapidly Grows in Leicestershire

Since 2018, the Women’s and Girls game in Leicestershire has grown an incredible 80% with a total of 135 players taking part in the upcoming 2022 campaign.

Since the 2020 season, huge changes have been imposed upon the Women and Girls game in Leicestershire, following the re-brand to Women and Girls from Leicestershire Vixens.

The following season then saw an Under 11’s age group launched as the Club’s reach grew within the local area, culminating in an increase in interest and engagement within the game. 

The winter between the 2020 and 2021 seasons saw the most growth, rising an impressive 63% from 83 participants following a landmark year for the Leicestershire CCC Women’s and Girls.

The 2021 campaign then saw some of the biggest improvement made on the pitch, with players in the younger age groups scoring centuries, with Flora Davies’ 108* against Derbyshire U13s & Prisha Thanawala’s 104* against Derbyshire leading the chart.

For the first time in its history, the Leicestershire CCC Women’s Team included three professional players that were drafted in from the local professional team; Lightning Cricket, with Grace Ballinger, Abigail Freeborn, and Nancy Harman linking up with the squad at the Uptonsteel County Ground.

The upcoming season also welcomes back an Under 11’s squad for the second time in the Club’s history, increasing from 19 participants in 2021 to 27 participants in 2022.

Commenting on the tangible growth of the Women’s and Girls game in Leicestershire, Cricket Development Officer for Women and Girls at Leicestershire CCC, Mark Hudson said: “The growth is down to a number of factors with one being our dedicated coaching team having worked tirelessly in the pursuit of making Leicestershire CCC’s pathway one to admire and developing players to reach their full potential.

“Another key factor has been the commitment from the players themselves and their attitude to what we are trying to achieve.

“We must not forget that the clubs in which the girls play most of their cricket have played their part as well.”

Leicestershire CCC CEO, Sean Jarvis commented: “To grow the Women’s and Girls game at the Uptonsteel County Ground has been a key aim for us over the past couple of years.

“To see that participation grow by nearly double, and to see the return on the field improve as well are two really good signs of the work our Community Team are doing.

“With the Women’s game growing across the nation, we are all excited to see how 2022 fares for Leicestershire Women and Girls teams.”