Bristol Wicketz is a free cricket programme for 8–16-year-olds from inner-city communities
What is Bristol Wicketz?
Wicketz is a free cricket programme for young people aged 8-16, living in inner city communities.
By establishing sustainable community cricket hubs, we provide year-round weekly cricket sessions in Bristol with a focus on breaking down barriers, developing crucial life skills, creating stronger communities and enabling brighter futures for those taking part.
How does it work?
Sam Emmott is dedicated development officer responsible for the running of multiple local hubs across Bristol.
Sam works closely with the young people that come along to the sessions, many of whom are from hard-to-reach groups, including young offenders, refugees and excluded pupils. Sessions – which use a soft ball – currently take place at venues in Southmead, Knowle and Fishponds and are open to players of all levels of ability. Every Wicketz session is run by qualified coaches and all equipment is provided.
How does it help young people?
Through cricket, Bristol Wicketz aims to tackle local issues affecting young people and their communities.
Alongside cricket coaching and games, the young people taking part have the chance to learn from role models, community leaders, local authorities and others. Specially designed workshops also boost well being, social education, community awareness, promote positive life choices and develop new life skills.
Weekly Sessions
There are currently four Bristol Wicketz Hubs that operate throughout the year, even during school holidays. All hubs are free for girls and boys aged 8–16 – just turn up and play!
Bristol Free School, Southmead, Concorde Drive, BS10 6NJ
Boys & Girls
Free
Hillfields Community Hub, Fishponds, Thicket Road, BS16 4EH
Thursdays, 4.30pm-6pm
Boys & Girls
Free
The Park Centre, Knowle, Daventry Road, BS4 1DQ
Tuesdays, ages 11 & under 4pm-5pm / 12+ 5pm-6pm
Boys & Girls
Free
Volunteer Opportunities: Wicketz offers a range of opportunities for volunteers from coaching to administration
If people are able to help on a long term basis, the Lord’s Taverners will help fund relevant training and qualifications such as, coaching badges and IT courses. This will not only help to sustain the Wicketz hub, but also offer future employment opportunities for the volunteer.
In addition to providing formal qualifications, Wicketz also provides informal support, mentoring and development opportunities for individuals who are able to commit time to the programme. One person to benefit by volunteering with Wicketz is Cian Davies, who regularly supports our hubs by leading coaching sessions.
Sam Emmott / Wicketz Development Officer
Sam joined the GCF as the Wicketz Development Officer in August 2019. Funded by the Lord’s Taverners, Wicketz aims to tackle local issues affecting young people and their communities.
Sam is responsible for the running of multiple local hubs across Bristol and works closely with the young people that come along to the sessions, many of whom are from hard-to-reach groups, including young offenders, refugees and excluded pupils. Sessions, which use a soft ball, currently take place at venues in Southmead, Knowle, Fishponds and Hartcliffe, are open to players of all levels of ability. Alongside cricket coaching and games, the young people taking part have the chance to learn from role models, community leaders, local authorities and others. Specially designed workshops also boost wellbeing, social education, community awareness, promote positive life choices and develop new life skills.
Sam brings a wealth of experience from a diverse background that includes leisure management, personal training and fitness instructing, as well as cricket coaching.
