The Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation aims to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to get into cricket and be their best. By bringing our youth programmes together, we can help young people grow, open up new opportunities, and make a real difference through the game we love.
During the Easter break, participants from the Super1’s, ACE, Street, and Wicketz hubs gathered at City Academy for a friendly competition, with 48 young people selected to represent their respective community programmes. Before the matches began, an icebreaker session helped everyone get to know one another through fun fact-finding activities and warm-up games.
The action then got underway with the ‘Countdown Cricket’ competition. Each team showcased impressive skills with both bat and ball, along with some brave and committed fielding. Play paused for a well-earned lunch break, where participants enjoyed their packed lunches and were treated to ice creams, kindly provided by the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation. Refuelled and refreshed, the players returned to the field for the remainder of the competition, which culminated in a thrilling final that saw players from the Chance to Shine Street programme emerging as the winners.
The Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation is proud to deliver a wide range of free community cricket opportunities, which would not be possible without the invaluable support of our partners: the ACE Programme Charity, Chance to Shine, and the Lord’s Taverners. These partnerships have enabled us to bring cricket into the heart of local communities, providing free access for young people. As a result, we have been able to make the sport more inclusive and accessible to those who may face barriers such as financial constraints, limited transport options, health conditions, or challenges related to mental wellbeing.
Wicketz Development Manager Sam Emmott said:
“Cricket has played a powerful role in helping young people connect with their communities. It’s given them a sense of routine and helped some come out of their shells. It’s sparked new friendships and boosted confidence. To see young people from so many different backgrounds and communities come together through Super1’s, Chance to Shine Street, ACE and Wicketz, while competing, learning key life skills, and making friends in an inclusive setting, was a brilliant showcase of the important work all three charities do with the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation.
For many, cricket has created lasting memories and a sense of belonging.
The GCF Easter Community Competition takes place on an annual basis and for more information on how you can get involved with any one of our community programmes, please visit: https://gloucestershirecricketfoundation.org/community/ Alternatively, please contact Sam Emmott on sam.emmott@gloucestershirecricketfoundation.org or 07398211596.