Lancashire Cricket Foundation and Maiden join forces to build on remarkable growth of women's and girls' cricket
Lancashire Cricket Foundation (LCF) and women’s cricket brand Maiden have announced a new three-year partnership to help support the next stage of growth in women’s and girl’s cricket across the county.
Maiden is now an approved commercial kit partner of LCF, headline sponsor of its under 11s to under 17s Girls' Junior Leagues and supporting partner of a new Women's Umpire Support Pilot.
Founded in 2024 by sisters Honor and Cat Black, Maiden creates purpose-built clothing, teamwear and equipment designed specifically for female cricketers after the duo experienced first-hand the challenges of playing in kit designed for men.
Working together, LCF and Maiden are aiming to help more women and girls access cricket kit designed specifically for them; recognise and support the officials who make the game possible, and celebrate the clubs, players and volunteers driving the growth of women's and girls' cricket in Lancashire.
Momentum is building across the county, with more than 100 clubs now offering girls’ cricket. In the last year alone, the number of girls’ teams in the region has grown from 106 to 165, while women’s teams have increased from 127 to 177.
As participation continues to grow in the female game, the partnership will also support those helping cricket to thrive off the pitch. Through a new Women’s Umpire Support Pilot, women completing Lancashire’s umpiring programme and officiating during the season will receive a branded umpire top for the following year. The partnership will also give clubs the opportunity to explore Maiden’s range, try on kit and book team sizing appointments at events including the Thunder Cup Final and Presentation Day.
Jennifer Barden, Managing Director of Lancashire Cricket Foundation, said:
“The growth we've seen across women's and girls' cricket in Lancashire has been incredible. Every new team, every new club and every new player is helping build a stronger future for the game.
“As participation grows, it's essential that the support around it continues at pace. That means creating the right environment for women and girls to thrive, recognising the people who make the game possible and working with partners who share that ambition. We're excited to be working with Maiden to build on the momentum we've created so far.”
Alex Hartley, former England and Lancashire cricketer and Maiden ambassador, said:
“I’ve seen first-hand how much women’s and girls’ cricket has grown across Lancashire over the last few years. There are more opportunities than ever before for girls to pick up a bat, join a team and fall in love with the game.
“That’s why partnerships like this matter. As more women and girls come into cricket, they deserve to feel like they belong from day one, whether that’s having kit that’s designed for them, seeing role models in the game or knowing there’s a community behind them. I’m really proud to see two organisations so committed to helping the women’s game continue to grow.”