Howzat! Women-only sessions inspire cricketers in Bradford
Girls have been busy taking part in weekly cricketing sessions to step up their skills and learn from the pros.
The sessions, held by the Adil Rashid Cricket Academy, are based on the introductory skills of cricket including batting, bowling and catching techniques, which then lead to small games.
With the help of Sporting Equals who helped gain funding, participants have been given the opportunity to learn key social skills such as teamwork and leadership, which are also vital in the roles of the umpire and captain.
Amar Rashid, Academy Manager, told the Yorkshire Standard: “The sessions came through need and demand. So due to the high number of girls taking part, many parents asked if the academy would be able to put on women-only sessions which would mean more of the older girls could also come along.”
The number of participants has increased ever since the sessions began, with around 10 to 13 girls now taking part each week.
Level 2 cricket coach Halima Khan, who is leading the sessions, added: “Parents have been very supportive of the sessions and have commented how having a female coach at the sessions really drives their girls to want to come and improve of their cricket ability.”
Cricketer Adil Rashid has also been guiding the sessions and offering valuable input being the only third Yorkshire-born Asian to play first-team cricket for Yorkshire.
He said: “The sessions are ultimately designed to help break down parental barriers and perceptions of women in sport which in turn allows parents to support their girls and encourage them to be active.
“Not only that, but participants may well move into club cricket, and be inspirational role models for the community.”
Sessions currently run once a week at the Zara Sports Centre every Saturday from 1pm to 2:30pm.
To find out more, please phone 01274891728, or email [email protected].
