Breaking Down Boundaries

Breaking Down Boundaries A new opportunity for women and girls in Bishopthorpe Something exciting is taking shape at Bishopthorpe Cricket Club, as plans progress to launch our very first dedicated women's and girls' cricket section in 2027. With £3,500 in dedicated funding secured to help make it happen, we're looking forward to opening up cricket to more women and girls across Bishopthorpe and the surrounding villages, creating opportunities to try something new, learn new skills and be part of a welcoming community. The funding is supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, and delivered through North Yorkshire Sport's Movement, Activity and Sport Fund. It will help us provide appropriate equipment and develop opportunities for both junior and adult players. But this is about much more than equipment and cricket sessions. It's about giving people the confidence to try something different, make new friends and discover a sport they might never have considered playing. You don't need to be a cricketer to get started. Perhaps you've never picked up a bat, don't know the rules or have always assumed cricket wasn't for you. Maybe you played sport when you were younger and would love to get involved again. Whatever your experience, we want our new section to be somewhere you can come along, learn at your own pace and enjoy being part of a team. The programme will focus on softball cricket, providing a relaxed and accessible introduction to the game without the pressure of competitive matches. We're keen to build on the encouraging interest already generated through previous softball taster sessions and engagement with local Rainbows and Brownies groups. Club Chair Lisa Thornton said: “This is fantastic news for Bishopthorpe Cricket Club and for women and girls throughout our local community. “The funding gives us a real opportunity to build on the interest we have already seen and create something sustainable at the club. “We want Bishopthorpe Cricket Club to be somewhere that girls and women can come along, perhaps pick up a bat or ball for the very first time, and immediately feel welcome and part of the club.” There's plenty to look forward to as we prepare for the 2027 launch. Over the coming months, we'll share more details about the programme, planned taster sessions and how local women and girls can get involved. We're also keen to hear from anyone interested in helping us develop the new section. You don't need previous cricket experience or coaching qualifications to express an interest — just enthusiasm and a willingness to be part of something new. We're genuinely excited about what lies ahead and the opportunity to create something lasting for women and girls in our local community. Interested in being part of it? Contact bishopthorpecricketclub@gmail.com or follow Bishopthorpe Cricket Club on social media for updates. New opportunities, new friendships and the start of something special for women's and girls' cricket in Bishopthorpe.