New Thunder Cup Competition For The Northwest
The eight teams who will compete in the inaugural Thunder Cup - a new premier recreational women's competition in the North West - have been announced.
Sefton Park CC, Lindow CC, Leigh CC, Ramsbottom CC, Edgworth CC, Leyland CC, Stockport Georgians CC and Didsbury CC have all been selected and will play in the first edition of the competition, which starts this summer.
The competition - which will start following discussions over recent years - was formally announced in the autumn, and was included as part of Lancashire Cricket's successful Tier One bid to further improve standards of recreational women's cricket across the North West. Clubs throughout the region have had the opportunity to apply - as well as shape the competition and ask questions - which concluded with a thorough application and interview process.
The panel that conducted the application process included individuals from Lancashire Cricket, in addition to the Club’s professional women's players and coaching staff, and Lancashire Cricket Foundation. The criteria included the applying club's plans for women's and girls cricket, their facilities, culture, playing standard and coaching set ups.
The final of the competition will be played at Emirates Old Trafford, the home of Lancashire Cricket, on 21st September.
Jen Barden, Lancashire Cricket Foundation, Executive Director said: "I am hugely excited by the launch of the Thunder Cup, which will become the premier women's recreational competition in the North West.
"We have broken down so many barriers to get to this stage and I can’t wait to see the teams in action over the course of this summer. With the final of the competition being played at Emirates Old Trafford in July and Lancashire Women players involved in the local clubs, it is going to create aspirational opportunities for female cricketers across the North West.
"The first year of the competition will be a pilot and I am sure we will learn much along the way. We are constantly in contact with the clubs involved and their players to ensure their voices are heard, including any challenging areas such as player movement, along with working towards what future editions of the Thunder Cup will look like.
"With the launch of the professional Tier One competition with counties this summer, it's an incredibly exciting time for the women's and girls game in the UK. I know many clubs are now looking to start their journey with a girls team and we really do encourage clubs to start building from the girls as it provides a sustainable platform for the future. We need to make a real shift in this space during 2025 and all those at Lancashire Cricket Foundation are dedicated to making this happen and to ensuring that the competition is a success.
"We were really impressed with the passion shown by all clubs that applied, including those who weren't successful at this time. It is important to note this is the first edition of the competition and we are welcoming any clubs wishing to be part of the review of the league structure in Lancashire to get in touch."
Performance Director for Women's Cricket at Lancashire Cricket, David Thorley added: “It’s fantastic to see this new competition begin to take shape and the interest from clubs across the region has been very exciting.
"With Lancashire Cricket being awarded Tier One status recently, we are proud to be able to work collaboratively with the Foundation to help launch this new offering with the aim of helping the best players play against each other more regularly in future, improving standards across the North-West west and providing amazing opportunities such as a final at a world class venue in Emirates Old Trafford.
"We collectively want to continue to strengthen the Red Rose Family and focus on ensuring that we continue to work on robust, flexible and inclusive pathways for females in the North-West.”