As the 2024 season draws to a close, we look back on a fantastic year, filled with team and individual success. With the support of Astra Security our Girls Performance Pathway Partner.
The Gloucestershire Girls U18 county squad embarked on a remarkable tour of Sri Lanka in early 2024, a journey that combined outstanding cricketing opportunities with unforgettable cultural experiences. This tour, which marked a significant milestone in the development of these talented young athletes, was made possible through the generous support of Astra Security.
Thanks to their support, the squad looked the part both on and off the field, with their tour kit fully funded by the company. The backing extended beyond just appearances; Astra Security contributions also played a crucial role in supporting the Girls Emerging Player Programme. Running from November through to April, this programme provides additional training and resources to some of our most promising cricketers, enhancing the support they receive within the regional setup or aiding them in their journey to reach that level.
The Sri Lanka tour was a resounding success, offering the girls a wealth of opportunities to develop their skills on the pitch and grow personally off it. From thrilling matches to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the tour was a true testament to the talent and dedication of the squad.
The Gloucestershire Girls U18 season itself was filled with impressive performances. Notably, Sophie Smith Graham took two five-wicket hauls, and Jen Rivers added another to the tally. Eleven half-centuries were scored across T20 and 50-over formats, with Bea Willis contributing five of those. Despite narrowly missing out on finals day in both the 50-over and T20 competitions, the future looks incredibly bright for the squad. With only one player exiting the age group and a strong contingent from the U15s coming through, the team is poised to be a formidable force in the 2025 season and beyond.
The season also saw individual successes on a broader stage. Katie Jones, a rising star who has been part of the Western Storm Academy since 2021, had a standout year. After becoming a regular member of the senior team with a pay-as-you-play contract across 2023 and 2024, Katie was selected for the England U19s squad for the Tri-Series tour, where she captained one game and scored a half-century in another. Her summer culminated in being selected as a wildcard for the Southern Brave in The Hundred, and she now embarks on a professional cricketing career under the new women’s professional format.
Liv Daniels, the U18 captain for 2024, also had a stellar summer. As part of the Western Storm Academy, she played a key role throughout the season and earned a spot in the School Games 2024—a prestigious event that has seen participation from household names like Alice Capsey and Lauren Bell. The expanded event in 2024 featured new teams from Ireland, Scotland, and the West Indies U-19 sides, offering Liv an invaluable experience at a high level of competition.
This talented squad includes two Western Storm Academy players, Katie Jones and Liv Daniels, and no fewer than six players in the Emerging Player Programme: Emily Austen, Prarthana Reddy, Jen Rivers, Jemima Smith, Sophie Smith Graham, and Bea Willis. The squad’s talent is matched only by their work ethic, and with the continued support of companies like Astra Security, the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation is able to provide the environment and training that allows these young cricketers to thrive.
“The support from Astra Security has been truly transformative for our Girls U18 squad and the Emerging Player Programme. Their commitment has not only allowed our players to look and feel their best, but has also provided the crucial resources needed to aid these young athletes reach their full potential. This partnership has played a significant role in the success of both the squad and individual players, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued support.”
— Laura Charles-Price, Head of Women and Girls Cricket, Gloucestershire
We extend our deepest thanks to Astra Security for their unwavering support and look forward to continuing our partnership in creating outstanding opportunities for cricketers across Gloucestershire. Together, we are helping to shape the future of women’s cricket in our county.