The Wicketz Bristol programme welcomed young people from across Devon to take part in a day of friendly competition at the BOLA batting centre and tour of the Bristol Aerospace Museum.
Wicketz participants from Devon, Plymouth and Bristol
The Lords Taverners Wicketz programme have hosted several memorable festivals across the southwest over the years and there was no exception for those taking part in the recent February half-term meetup. The chance to take part in a day of cricket and visit Bristol’s famous Aerospace Museum, was not to be missed. For young people stepping onto Concorde for the first time, it is a moment of awe and excitement. The narrow cabin and sophisticated cockpit, offers a glimpse into a time when flying was an extraordinary experience. It is a chance to marvel at the cutting-edge technology that allowed Concorde to travel over twice the speed of sound.
The Power of Precision: Cricket and Engineering
While cricket is a game of strategy, technique, and quick thinking, engineering is about precision, creativity, and solving problems. Young people explored how the materials used in the aerospace industry have changed over time. Learning about the intricacies of aircraft design and the importance of aerodynamics, the groups worked together to create and test their own gliders. The hands-on workshops involved solving engineering challenges, and about the importance of teamwork where every contribution is vital to the success of the design.
The competition gets going…
For many, the matches offer a chance for young people to test their abilities and practice the skills developed at their weekly hub sessions. With the atmosphere buzzing with excitement, the young cricketers were split into teams and given the opportunity to showcase their batting, fielding, and bowling talents in a series of short matches. The BOLA Batting Centre, known for its outstanding training facility, provided the perfect backdrop to experience playing cricket in a whole new setting.
Wicketz Development Officer, Wilf Brooke, said:
“Over the years we have run a number of collaboration events amongst the southwest Wicketz programmes. On each occasion, participants emphasise the importance of teamwork—whether it is communicating during the games, encouraging teammates, or celebrating each other’s successes. There are opportunities at every event to develop these skills and learn from the workshops taking place. It’s also great to see youth voice have a platform to share their ideas and design their next holiday festival.”
A Bright Future Ahead
The combination of cricket and engineering at the Bristol Aerospace workshop has inspired the groups to embrace the notion that the skills they develop on the field can serve as stepping stones in life. It was an unforgettable experience that reminded them that success in any field—whether sports or engineering—comes from dedication, precision, and the ability to work together as a team.
£50,000 boost for Bristol Wicketz
A huge thank you to the Hargreaves Foundation who have supported the Lord’s Taverners with £50,000 funding for Bristol Wicketz for 2025. This will be an incredible boost to one of the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation’s key community programmes. Bristol Wicketz offers young people aged 8 – 19 who experience severe barriers to regular sport and physical activity the opportunity to play the game in a safe and fun environment all year round right in the heart of their communities – for free. At Bristol Wicketz, young people who attend regular sessions are away from negative influences where they can learn new skills, make friends, be themselves and voice their preferences to shape what happens at their sessions.
Want to Get Involved?
If you want to get involved with volunteering at Wicketz sessions, please get in touch with Sam Emmott
sam.emmott@gloucestershirecricketfoundation.org
07398 211596