Fifteen-year-old Joe has always had a love for cricket, but up until recently the opportunity to play his favourite sport had been limited.  That all changed when he was introduced to Super 1s cricket. After taking part doing a couple of sessions at the Blackburn hub, Joe then joined the newly formed Barnoldswick hub in summer 2024. The new hub was initially hosted by Barnoldswick cricket club at their ground.   

Joe has mild Cerebral Palsy and learning difficulties. Due to his physical difficulties, Joe has always lacked confidence in his physical abilities and specifically his ability to play sport, but getting him involved in Super 1s has changed all that. Practicing his cricketing skills in a supportive environment has really boosted his confidence and self-belief in what he is physically capable of.   

For Joe, the Super 1s sessions are about much more than just playing cricket. Joe is a very social, fun-loving young man and the weekly sessions play a crucial role in meeting his social needs. They are run in a relaxed and fun way, which have enabled Joe to build friendships, develop his communication and teamwork skills, whilst at the same time having a great deal of fun.

Just as importantly, the supportive yet challenging nature of the sessions have allowed Joe and the other participants to develop a range of challenging cricketing skills, like bowling, fielding and batting. It’s implicit within the ethos of the sessions that attempting these skills is actively encouraged by Max the coach and so is the attitude that it’s fine to fail without being judged for it.

Max, the coach has nurtured a real ‘have a go’ attitude amongst the young people which has paid real dividends. The joy on the young people’s faces when they master a key cricketing skill is priceless. It goes beyond the realms of just playing cricket, it has such a positive impact on their self-identify and you can’t put a price on that!

For Joe the Super 1s sessions have become a permanent ‘must do’ weekly fixture in his social calendar. As his mum says, “I have no doubt that Joe’s love for playing cricket will be with him for life and I am truly grateful for what the Super 1s cricket have done for my son on so many different levels.”

The final word goes to Joe, who when asked what he thought about the Super 1s Sessions said. “I just love playing cricket and hitting the ball with my friends. The sessions have given me a real feeling of independence and of being good at a sport, which has given my confidence a real boost” .