Over 50s Walking Cricket

Walking Cricket sessions are available for over 50s across Sefton. Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the sessions will encourage people who are less active to engage in regular fitness activities and will provide vital support, significantly impacting on quality of later life.

As people get older, many struggle with balance, strength, stamina, weight as well as mental health issues and Walking Cricket has the potential to make a significant impact by allowing participants to build body strength, improve muscles, develop core stability and lose weight, along with boosting self-confidence and self-esteem.

With the over 65 population expected to grow to 29.2% by 2043, it is vital that support is provided as soon as possible.

As well as helping participants to increase levels of physical activity, the Walking Cricket programme will also help improve their mental wellbeing and reduce potential isolation and loneliness.

Sessions will be delivered by a trained cricket coach and provide opportunities to bat, bowl, field, score and even umpire.

The sessions, which will benefit members of local cricket clubs and the wider community, will take place at Stanley High School in Southport later this month after a successful trial.

This is the Lancashire Cricket Foundation’s second Walking Cricket Programme, following a successful launch of a project in Greater Manchester. Feedback has been incredibly positive, with participants reporting an increase in their levels of physical activity.

Walking Cricket was developed as a new concept in 2019 and makes cricket accessible to older adults, or individuals who are semi–retired or retired. Walking Cricket is an adaptation of the traditional game of Cricket to suit those with less mobility and also caters for different abilities.