#WomensCricketMonth: Great Harwood CC
Throughout September, we're celebrating #WomensCricketMonth by profiling a series of clubs across Lancashire who are currently hosting women's and girls' cricket activity... next up, it's Great Harwood Cricket Club
Great Harwood Cricket Club
Current women's and girls' offering at your club: Soft Ball Cricket Team
Established women's and girls' set-up since: Formed in 2019 as a group of 'cricket mums' up for trying a new sport, getting some exercise and having fun. Initially as part of a Softball Festival, the side then joined a local Softball League and have trained regularly from then, taking part in both indoor and outdoor competitions. They've grown in numbers with younger players joining in, with an emphasis on 'giving cricket a go' and having fun
Key people involved with women's and girls' cricket: Victoria Cocken is the Team Captain and also sits on the Club Committee. Both Victoria and fellow player and cricket mum, Wendy Litherland, took a Level 1 Coaching Course earlier this year to help with the coaching of the team and hope to use this to invite and encourage more women and girls from the local area to join the club
The team have also been blessed with the guidance and coaching of two highly experienced and respected former players - Jack Simmons aka 'Flat Jack', a Lancashire Cricket legend, whose daughter Kelly plays on the team. And, Victoria's dad Russ Cuddihy - a former player and coach - who unfortunately recently passed away, but not before inspiring the team and showing them how to play cricket. He'll be proud of their improvements!
Goals for the future: All of the players involved have found that they really enjoy Softball Cricket and hope that this continues for the foreseeable future. Great Harwood hope to host more festivals, tournaments and visit other clubs in the area to take part. The Club hopes to encourage more women and girls take up the sport and hope that this can motivate younger players to progress with cricket further
How to get in touch and give cricket a go?: Please contact Victoria via the club email address info@gtharwoodcc.co.uk or find them on Facebook (GreatHarwoodCC), Twitter (@greatharwoodcc) and Instagram (greatharwoodcricketclub)
