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Her Game Too Cricket are thrilled to announce that the University of Leeds Women’s Cricket Club have become the latest university club to partner with the campaign.
In response to the growing recognition of Women’s cricket, the Women’s Cricket Club at University of Leeds was established, ensuring that female students “had the chance and opportunities to pursue their love for cricket, just like the men.”
Since its inception, the club has worked hard to encourage more women to pick up a bat and ball and get involved in cricket and grow their society. By focusing on creating an inclusive and supportive environment for their players, the Women’s Cricket Club at University of Leeds has seen its numbers rapidly rise, now boasting over 100 members!
Their growth has gone further than just their participation numbers; over the years, the club has witnessed a steep increase in competitiveness and talent amongst their players, solidifying their place in the university’s sporting community.
Catering to a wide range of abilities, the society fields a number of different teams competing at different levels and in different leagues. One of those teams is the UCCE Performance team, who compete at the highest level of university cricket across the United Kingdom.
On the impact of having the Performance team at the university, the Women’s Cricket club said: “We are privileged to have this set up as a part of our society and gives talented women the opportunities they deserve to move up in the world of cricket.”
At the other end of the ability spectrum, the Women’s Cricket Club has established a range of set ups to enable beginners to settle into the sport and learn about the game. By participating in friendly matches and tournaments, the club ensures that players of all skill levels have the opportunity to get game time and develop their skills.
For their First XI, UoLWCC field teams in both outdoor and indoor BUCS leagues, competing against the top universities from across Yorkshire throughout the year.
Looking ahead to the future, the society has ambitious plans to play as much cricket as possible and grow playing opportunities for their members. One of the ways in which they are actively working towards this goal is by entering into a new local league.
As a part of this new competition, the club are using this new opportunity to give their more experienced players to gain competitive game time, whilst giving their newer members the chance to work with more advanced cricketers and experience a higher standard.
Off the field, the UoLWCC’s passion for using sport as a vehicle for good has resulted in the team working with various local charities and collaborating with other societies at the university. The team are grateful to have been able to join forces with the Boob Society – who focus on creating awareness about breast cancer – and SASHA – a student lead initiative tackling sexual harassment.
Back to cricket, the club are hopeful that their focus on inclusivity and development will strengthen the society’s impact and help inspire the next generation of female cricketers. As part of this, UoLWCC are excited to be entering a partnership with Her Game Too Cricket.
The partnership with Her Game Too Cricket is something that resonates with all members of the UoLWCC team. In collaboration, both parties wish to “break down the barrier women cricketers face together and the stigma around it”.
Charlotte Ashton, Her Game Too Cricket’s University Ambassador, said: “As an alumnus of the University of Leeds, I'm personally delighted to have them partner with Her Game Too Cricket.
I'm really excited to be a part of how far the Uni of Leeds Women's Cricket setup has come and know they'll be a great asset to our partnerships.”
On behalf of University of Leeds Women’s Cricket Club, Amelia Long had the following to say about the partnership: “Myself and the rest of UoLWCC are thrilled to be embarking on a wonderful partnership with Her Game Too Cricket, I feel that the message Her Game Too spreads is something that as a club we align with.
I am excited to be able to incorporate the reporting system within our club, reduce discrimination and provide a welcoming, safe and supportive community for our members.
I am grateful to have the support of UoLWCC committee, in particular from our Club Captain India and Secretary Kate helping me to facilitate this partnership and all of their hard work.
I believe this partnership will enhance the growth of the UoLWCC and I can't wait to see it flourish further!”
To learn more about cricket at the university...
Instagram: @uolwcc
You can follow Charlotte’s work with our university partners on Instagram at: @universities.hergametoocricket