‘Special’ Scottish Partnership Rewarded At ICC Development Awards

The collaboration between Cricket Scotland and Beyond Boundaries, initiated in 2017, has significantly transformed the landscape of cricket for female and disabled players across Scotland. This partnership has been instrumental in bringing free cricket sessions to disadvantaged areas, boosting participation numbers, and fostering inclusivity in the sport. The impact of this initiative has been recognized with the prestigious ICC Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year award at the ICC Development Awards, a testament to the outstanding efforts to grow and strengthen cricket among ICC Associate members.

Empowering Women’s Cricket

A cornerstone of the partnership has been the enhancement of opportunities for women’s cricket. One of the standout initiatives is the Wee Bash, a winter softball competition that caters to players of all ages and abilities. Nicola Wilson, Cricket Scotland’s head of development, highlighted the evolution of this event from its humble beginnings to a significant fixture on the cricket calendar. “In 2017, we had a couple of banners up and some food,” Wilson recalled. “Now, it has evolved into a live stream to showcase the day, becoming a real event.”

The Wee Bash started during a rainy week at an ICC Qualifier in Stirling, with a national team player designing the logo. The event featured a mix of players, from internationals to novices, and has since become an entry-level program leading many players to hard ball cricket. “We try not to do everything for the teams,” Wilson explained. “We want them to learn to umpire, learn about the game, and be actively involved in helping deliver the tournaments.”

Championing Disability Cricket

The creation of nine disability champion clubs across Scotland marks another significant achievement of the partnership. Each club receives support from Cricket Scotland’s full-time disability development manager, a kitbag, and £500 for coaching. “The disability champion clubs are really important to us,” Wilson stated. “They are spread around the country, from Fraserburgh to Galloway, aiming to give participants with a disability the opportunity to represent a club.”

The initiative seeks to integrate disabled participants into club settings, providing them with the same experiences as other members. The next goal is to establish a pathway to representative cricket, with strong links to the northern counties of England and the development of representative teams on the horizon.

Engaging Youth Through HOWZAT!

The HOWZAT! program targets a younger demographic, offering free community cricket programs for 5-11-year-olds in disadvantaged communities. This initiative feeds into Cricket Scotland’s Wicketz hubs, located in some of the most underprivileged areas of Glasgow and Edinburgh. These hubs not only offer cricketing opportunities but also lifestyle workshops on topics such as knife-crime, healthy eating, CV writing, and discrimination.

“It’s about providing the opportunity to engage with cricket not in a club setting,” Wilson said. The program addresses barriers such as financial constraints and lack of transport, providing outlets for families who might not otherwise have access to the sport. The sessions attract a diverse mix of nationalities and participants, some of whom have progressed to help deliver the sessions. A coaching course for Wicketz participants is also in the pipeline, highlighting the program’s success.

International Recognition and Future Aspirations

The partnership’s achievements have been internationally recognized with the ICC Development Award, bringing a sense of pride and validation to the team. “We are not in it for awards,” Wilson emphasized. “We are in it for the smiling faces, to change lives, and bring families back to cricket. That said, it is fantastic to get recognition, and we are really excited.”

Wilson expressed immense pride in the development team and their dedication to delivering impactful programs. The award serves as a catalyst for further growth and development, with hopes to continue expanding the reach and impact of their initiatives.

Creating Lasting Impact

The collaboration between Cricket Scotland and Beyond Boundaries exemplifies the profound impact that strategic partnerships can have on communities. By focusing on inclusivity and accessibility, the initiatives have not only increased participation in cricket but also fostered a sense of community and belonging among participants. The success of programs like the Wee Bash, disability champion clubs, and the HOWZAT! program underscores the transformative power of sport in changing lives and creating opportunities.

Looking Forward

As the partnership between Cricket Scotland and Beyond Boundaries continues to evolve, the future looks promising for the growth and development of cricket in Scotland. With international recognition and a solid foundation of successful programs, the focus remains on expanding opportunities, fostering inclusivity, and making cricket accessible to all. The journey so far has been remarkable, and the commitment to changing lives through cricket remains unwavering, promising an even brighter future for the sport in Scotland.

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