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 both women and men, 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.

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 instead of being out and not getting to bat for the remainder of the session. This usually means players get more than one chance to bowl and by constantly rotating the field, players field in every position.

Walking cricket uses a softball, plastic bats and plastic stumps, resulting in no injuries from missing the ball and bats being less heavy to pick up, eliminating the requirement for protective equipment. Sessions usually last an hour and are currently free with equipment being provided. All people need to do is turn up in comfortable clothing the can move in, bring a bottle of water, and play.

WHY PLAY WALKING CRICKET?

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

Walking Cricket 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.

Weekly Sessions

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

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Henleaze

Shine Community Sports Hall

Brecon Road, BS9 4DT

Wednesdays, 11:00am-12:00pm

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Ashley Down

Seat Unique Stadium

Nevil Road, BS7 9EJ

Thursdays, 3:00pm-4:00pm

From September 28th 2023 to March 29th 2024

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Easton

Easton Leisure Centre

Thrissell Street, BS5 0SW

Fridays, 11:00am-12:00pm

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Cheltenham

Leisure at Cheltenham

Tommy Taylors Lane, GL50 4RN

Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 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.”

Harry Watts / Urban Development Officer

Harry joined the Foundation in August 2022 as our Urban Development Officer and is responsible for growing the game of cricket in Gloucestershire, focusing on the urban areas of Bristol and Gloucester.

One of his main areas of work is managing our Chance to Shine Street programme, which provides free cricket sessions for young people across Bristol, Gloucester and Cheltenham. The sessions are fun, engaging and support the development of all young people, from cricket newcomers right through to young adults playing a high standard of recreational cricket. Harry also manages our Walking Cricket programme, which provides inclusive indoor softball cricket for over 50’s across the county, including in Bristol and Cheltenham. Outside of community programmes, Harry supports urban clubs in Bristol and supports with the management of GYCL competitions.

In 2018, Harry graduated from Swansea University with a degree in Media & Communications and later gained a PGCE in Primary Education from UWE, having spent multiple years working in primary schools. At his local club, Thornbury CC, Harry supports in different areas, including being an emergency player when required!

As a local Bristolian, Harry is a Bristol Rovers supporter and is a big all-round sports fan.

Email

07584 705646