The Cheltenham Cricket Festival saw Gloucestershire host Middlesex in their T20 Vitality Blast group fixture. An exciting buzz of anticipation rippled around the ground, although none were more eager than participants from the Wicketz programme in Gloucester, who formed the players’ matchday guard of honour.
Wicketz participant Reuban said:
“It’s like opening a new world to be with the players as they come on the pitch. It made me feel part of the action.”
Four months ago, the Lord’s Taverners’ Wicketz programme made history by launching its first hub in Gloucester for ages 8-12. The launch day saw a handful of young people take their first tentative steps in trying cricket for the first time. Since then, sixteen young people have been regularly taking part in the weekly sessions, which take place at Barnwood Park School.
Fast forward to today, and a community of young cricketers experienced the game through a whole new lens by being pitch-side for the men’s county T20 Vitality Blast fixture in Cheltenham. It was a brand-new experience for these young people, and it has created a bond within the group – who have been together since the hub was first launched.
Wicketz hubs have supported participants for several years in Bristol, and so the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation (GCF) is delighted to see the programme grow in new locations in the north of the county.
Wicketz Development Manager, Sam Emmott:
“It’s an incredible experience for young people to watch live T20 cricket at this level for the first time. There is an eagerness from the group who want to continue building on the skills they have learnt in the weekly sessions. It’s great to see the impact an event like this has and to hear first-hand from families about the positive changes they’ve noticed in confidence and physical well-being since joining Wicketz.”
“The community groups that Wicketz have linked with locally are encouraging families to join the programme and stay active outside of school. These partnerships have integrated Wicketz into the community and we have plans in place to collaborate on “family fun days” and holiday festivals this summer.”
Project Lead and NHS Social Prescribing Link Worker for Hadwen Health, Leia Rosenberg said:
“It has been an amazing experience to support Sam and his team in their delivery of Wicketz in Coney Hill. This area is considered one of the most deprived in Gloucester; young people rarely have opportunities of this nature on their doorstep. I hope this programme continues to grow and provide development opportunities for young people – who knows the next Alastair Cook might be discovered!”
On an evening that saw some spectacular catching and powerful six hitting on display, an enthusiastic new fan base has emerged in Coney Hill.
Wicketz participant Dylan said:
“The players doing their warmup and then take those tricky catches to get players out is impressive. I’m looking forward to telling my friends in school about the match and getting to play soon.”
WHAT IS WICKETZ?
Wicketz is a free cricket programme from the Lord’s Taverners for young people aged 8-16, living in inner city communities. By establishing sustainable community cricket hubs, the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation provide year-round weekly cricket sessions in Bristol and Gloucester with a focus on breaking down barriers, developing crucial life skills, creating stronger communities, and enabling brighter futures for those taking part.
If you would like more details about Wicketz Bristol or would like to take part, please contact Sam Emmott at sam.emmott@gloucestershirecricketfoundation.org or call 07398 211 596