Super1s is a community-based programme that is funded by the Lord Taverners. The community hub shown is at YMCA Sports Centre at Cheltenham which runs on a Wednesday evening 5-6pm.
Super1s provides young people with a disability the opportunity to participate in regular competitive cricket whilst learning valuable life skills of independence, confidence team work and communication. At the Super1s Hubs at Frenchay, Cheltenham, Forest of Dean and Stroud, the players are making great friendships and many are looking forward to the competitions during the year.
Opportunities for some of the Super1s, and others from cricket clubs and schools extend to the County Performance Teams, either S9, our softball squad, D40 our hardball squad and Gloucestershire Growlers, the Visually Impaired Team. ESSI kindly sponsor the S9 and D40 squads, who compete against neighbouring counties in league and friendly matches. Last year, the S9 team won the ECB, South West Region S9 league.
There are Disability Champion Cricket Clubs who provide inclusive sessions for everyone within the county, Frenchay, Golden Hill, Stroud, Thornbury, Huntley and Hawkesbury Cricket Clubs. Everyone is welcome at these sessions.
The Lord Taverners SEND Schools Programme in conjunction with ECB, provides opportunities for schools whether special schools or SEND units within schools to provide cricket opportunities within schools, either table cricket or softball. 18 schools are involved at present We run 2 county table cricket competitions next term, with the winners of each going forward to the regional final, and possibly national final. Last year, 2 schools qualified for the national final at Lords, which all taking part thoroughly enjoyed.
Our Disability Development Officer Jeanette Tate, who leads inclusive programmes and supports clubs to start activity said:
“There are lots of opportunities for everyone within Disability cricket within the county. It is great seeing so many involved, having fun and making friends, whilst playing cricket. The offers we have make cricket a sport for all, and we look forward to seeing it continue to grow.”
To get involved as a player, coach, club, volunteer or school please contact Jeanette Tate the Foundation’s Disability Development Officer – jeanette.tate@gloucestershirecricketfoundation.org.