A new initiative has been launched to encourage women in Gloucestershire to give cricket a go.

The softball scheme aims to attract people who have never played before and ex-players who are interested in getting back into cricket.

Sixteen clubs from across the county have signed up for the programme – which is being run by the Gloucestershire Cricket Board (GCB). Each club will receive six weeks of coaching from qualified GCB coaches, a bespoke kitbag, T-shirts and marketing support.

The clubs will then enter teams into at least one of the three women’s softball cricket festivals scheduled to take place in Gloucestershire this summer.

The events at Newent Cricket Club on May 28th, Brislington on June 11th and Frocester on July 23rd are 8-a-side and are open to any group of women that want to take part whether they are part of a cricket club or not.

You can register a team or as an individual who will then be allocated to a team.

To sign up click on the relevant link below:
Newent: tinyurl.com/NewentSoftBallCricketFestival
Brislington: tinyurl.com/BrisSoftBallCricketFestival
Frocester: tinyurl.com/FrocesterSoftBallCricketFest

The festivals and club coaching sessions are both played with a soft ball and the focus is on creating a social and fun environment while also teaching the basics of the game.

The new initiative coincides with the biggest ever year for women’s cricket in the South West. The Brightside Ground, Bristol is hosting eight ICC Women’s World Cup Games including a semi-final and the Western Storm will also be returning to Bristol as part of the second Kia Super League on August 26th.

GCB growth and participation officer Scott Tremain said: “With the World Cup and Kia Super League there has never been a more exciting summer for the women’s game. The Women’s Softball Festivals and coaching sessions are designed to help our clubs make the most of this unique opportunity and grow the women’s and girls’ game in Gloucestershire.

“The sessions will be focused on teaching the basic skills in a fun way and will be a great way to meet people, get active and experience a fantastic new sport.”