Walking Cricket

A slower paced, low impact format of the game ideal for men and women aged 50+. It is the perfect way to remain involved with the game and meet new people, all whilst staying active.

Walking Cricket is cricket that has been specifically designed for people aged 50 and over.

The game has been adapted from various formats of cricket to offer a more gentle game with less impact, which can be played by anyone, whether they have played cricket before or not.

The game is played indoors in a full sized sports hall and can be as leisurely or as competitive as desired, while still holding the same challenges a regular game of cricket has, but with less demands. For example, players can bowl the ball underarm instead of overarm should they prefer.

WHY PLAY WALKING CRICKET?

It’s a great way to stay active, meet like minded people, and have fun.

It improves people’s health, mental wellbeing, increases confidence, gets people out of social isolation, connects individuals to their community, and offers a sense of belonging.

The game is highly inclusive where everyone is involved with batting, bowling and fielding. Batters bat in pairs and score by ‘walking’ between the wickets and hitting the ball in certain areas. Should the batter get out, they lose 5 runs and remain batting for a set period. Players often get more than one chance to bowl and by constantly rotating the field, players field in every position.

The use of a soft ball, plastic bats and stumps, results in no injuries from missing the ball and bats are light to pick up, eliminating the requirement for protective equipment. Sessions usually last an hour and are free with equipment being provided. Simply turn up in comfortable clothing, bring a bottle of water, and play.

Weekly Sessions

Below are all the free Walking Cricket sessions that operate throughout the year – just turn up and play!

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Ashley Down

Seat Unique Stadium

Nevil Road, BS7 9EJ

Thursdays, 3:00pm-4:00pm

Last session – 29th March 2024

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Cheltenham

Leisure at Cheltenham

Tommy Taylors Lane, GL50 4RN

Tuesdays & Wednesdays

11:00am–12:00pm

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Easton

Easton Leisure Centre

Thrissell Street, BS5 0SW

Fridays

11:00am-12:00pm

“As a retiree with limited opportunities for daily interaction, the GCF Walking Cricket initiative has had a most beneficial effect, not only upon my physical ability but also upon my mental wellbeing.

I very much look forward to the weekly cricket sessions and wholeheartedly recommend the experience.”

“I used to play cricket when I was young, but now at my age I don’t do much physical activity anymore apart from a spot of bowls.

I was invited by people I know here at Walking Cricket to come along, and I’ve never looked back. The sessions are good as I’m now exercising, and I’m always involved. In the past I had broken my leg and I find coming to the sessions has helped with my movement. Since my wife died, I found socialising difficult. The Walking Cricket sessions have helped with the social side as the group is very friendly and there is good camaraderie. It’s a good way to spend an hour of an afternoon.”

“Walking Cricket is a bit of fun and a great way to stay active.

When I retired I found there wasn’t much to do. I enjoy cricket and when I found out about Walking Cricket, I wanted to come along. It’s a really good way of meeting new people and remain being active. There is a good atmosphere and it’s a great way of playing sport in a friendly group. Coming to the sessions has led me to playing golf, well pitch ‘n’ putt if I’m honest; something I thought I’d never do.”

Crispin Shingler / Community Development Manager

Cricket has always been a part of Crispin’s life. Before becoming part of the Gloucestershire Cricket Family, he saw first-hand how engaging in cricket can have a positive impact on people’s lives.

In London, Crispin worked with several charities aiming to transform people’s lives for the better through either cricket or drama. He delivered a range of programmes to adults, young people, and community groups going into various establishments such as care homes, prisons, and alternative learning providers.

He originally joined the GCF as the Wicketz Development Officer for Bristol, using cricket as a development tool for young people from low-income households, and has a background in fundraising, with a focus on corporate partnerships.

As Community Development Manager, Crispin’s main responsibility is to grow the GCF community cricket programmes; Wicketz, ACE, disability cricket and walking cricket, while creating and sourcing funding for new fun, inclusive and impactful cricket for good programmes that enhance the lives of people, while bringing communities together throughout Gloucestershire.

Crispin continues to play cricket for his village and leads the club’s youth section.

Email

07903 823922