County Disability
We have two County Disability Cricket Teams who play in the ECB’s National Soft Ball Cricket Leagues.Gloucestershire have two county teams that play in the ECB's National Super 9s soft ball and D40 hard ball leagues.
The County Disability Teams provide competitive opportunities for cricketers with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, deaf or with hearing loss. Cricketers can be selected for either the D40 hard ball squad that usually play 40 over matches or the S9 squad that play with an incrediball (a softer ball). Selected players will train through the winter developing their skills vying to secure their place in one of the summer playing squads.
The D40 hard ball team play in the ECB National D40 Pursuit South West League. This newly formed team will be compete against the likes of Somerset, Hampshire/Dorset and Isle of Wight throughout the summer. Many of the players in the D40 team play cricket for other county teams and their local cricket clubs.
The S9 soft ball squad will form 3 different teams. The S9 performance team plays in the ECB National S9 South West League and have been incredibly successful in recent years. In 2022 the team won the Cup Final and in 2023 they reached the final, which was lost to the rain. Performance matches are played with an incredible with all players wearing protective kit and are 30 – 40 over matches.
The S9 development team provides players the chance to experience competitive 30 over matches, whereas the S9 pairs provides players the chance of experiencing competitive cricket in a friendly environment. Although some players will play at their local cricket club, for many this is their opportunity to play competitive cricket.
All matches are usually played on a Sunday and the home games are played at various cricket clubs across Gloucestershire. The teams alternate home venues to raise awareness of the opportunities that are available to other clubs, players and communities. You will find the latest information on our County Disability Team’s X page.
EESI - Team Sponsors
Our County teams are sponsored by EESI. The great opportunities available for people with disabilities would not be available if it wasn’t for the amazing support we receive from them.
EESI became main sponsors of Gloucestershire’s County Disabled Teams in 2021 during the businesses 25 year anniversary. The teams play in the ECB Super 9’s National and Development Leagues. Their generosity has provided new playing and training kit for players.
Jeanette Tate / Disability Development Officer
You’ll find Jeanette working in schools across the County to provide a sustainable pathway from school to community hubs and providing support to cricket clubs to ensure a welcoming environment for those with disabilities. Jeanette leads the ECB Disability Champion Club Programme which is designed to make clubs more inclusive and provide a club-based playing offer for people with disabilities.
Furthermore, Jeanette chairs the Disability Development Group and supports and development the County Disability Cricket Programme.
Jeanette is passionate about her work as every day someone achieves something which she finds rewarding as young people develop friendships, communication and independence overcoming the challenges they have through cricket.