On Wednesday April 17, staff from South Gloucestershire Council teamed up with the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation for a team building and fundraising event.
Staff from South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) took part in a fast-moving indoor competition that brought together its colleagues from across the organisation. Designed to give council members the chance to meet outside of work in a physical activity setting, the event also helped to raise funds for the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundations (GCF) Community Cricket programme Wicketz and disability programme Super 1s. Both programmes are funded by the Lord’s Taverners and give young people who might not have to the chance access sport, the opportunity to play regular cricket year-round at their weekly hub sessions.
Taking place at the University of the West of England (UWE) sports centre, three teams from (SGC) battled out two round robin fixtures that held everyone captivated with the exhilarating pace of the games. With an abundance of high-quality fielding and six hitting on show, it was clear to see the excitement for cricket had not lost its appetite since the event was last held in October 2023!
April 2024, three teams from SGC compete in the return competition in partnership with Wicketz Staff
Richard Prior, Preparing for Adulthood Support Officer at South Gloucestershire Council said:
‘South Gloucestershire Council have now hosted two inclusive cricket events with the help of Wicketz and Super 1s. Last year, the Disabled Employees Group was consulted on taking part in inclusive sports events within the council, for social and health benefits to those playing. We settled on Indoor Cricket as a good start. Suffering from Muscular Dystrophy, the one thing I could not do is run or be too physical, so with the help of Wicketz we catered for every ability ensuring everyone was able to play. It was great fun, with members who had never even seen a game before, joining in and playing wonderfully well for their first try at the game.
Both events were a success, and we could not have done it without the help of Sam & Wilf at Wicketz. We are pleased to support such a worthwhile cause and look forward to engaging with the charity again at another event. The council members, from various departments, were able to hear the positive work of the charity and hopefully signpost council service users in the future.’
Wicketz Development Manager Sam Emmott said:
“It’s incredibly exciting to see the enthusiasm for the cricket grow and be involved in supporting the (SGC) competition once again. The idea first came about to help raise an awareness for our community cricket programmes and connect with professionals who can spread the word to young people. The donation from the players involved is incredibly generous and will help us continue delivering free cricket in locations that can benefit from Wicketz.”
October 2023, County Disability Team S9’s team up with SGC staff
About the GCF
Our community cricket programmes and events offer fun and inclusive activity for people of all ages and abilities across Gloucestershire, whilst aiming to improve people’s lives and providing opportunities through the Power of Cricket.
To find out more about the ACE, Chance to Shine Street, Wicketz and Super 1s programmes please click here.