Sophia Gardens buzzed with excitement as over 350 members of Girlguiding from South Wales eagerly participated in a thrilling cricket taster session hosted by Glamorgan. The event, organized by Welsh Fire in anticipation of The Hundred tournament this summer, aimed to ignite a passion for the sport among a new generation of girls.
Welsh Fire, one of the teams competing in The Hundred, will kick off their 2023 campaign against Manchester Originals on August 2nd at the iconic Sophia Gardens. To prepare for this exciting season, the young girls, ranging from Rainbows and Brownies to Guides and Rangers from Girlguiding Cymru, received expert coaching from Welsh Fire stars Claire Nicholas and Alex Griffiths.
Under the sunny afternoon sky at the home ground of Welsh Fire, the girls immersed themselves in engaging batting, bowling, and fielding drills. With each swing of the bat and every perfectly timed catch, their enthusiasm for the sport grew. The hope was to inspire a love for cricket in these young girls, paving the way for a bright future in the game.
Alex Griffiths, a talented all-rounder for Welsh Fire, expressed her dedication to expanding the game in Wales. She emphasized, “With 400 children present today, if they have the opportunity to watch England Women players on this very pitch, I believe it will genuinely inspire them to pursue cricket.”
Becky Thomas, the Women’s and Girls’ Development Officer, witnessed the remarkable sight of numerous Girlguiding members enthusiastically participating in the cricket taster session. She praised the leaders for actively engaging their girls in a new sport, equipping them with skills and confidence to explore new activities.
Lisa Edwards, overwhelmed with delight, commented, “It was absolutely fantastic to see more than 350 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, and Rangers at the cricket event at Sophia Gardens. The event’s success is a testament to the hard work put in by all those involved and signifies the increasing popularity of cricket among girls in Wales.”
Ranger Amelia, reflecting on the event, highlighted the exhilarating aspects of cricket. She emphasized the sport’s inclusivity, stating, “Cricket offers a wonderful range of running and batting, making it a truly hands-on and inclusive sport where everyone has a fantastic time. We are thrilled to be a part of this event, and being in the company of numerous Girlguides across different age groups only strengthens the sense of inclusiveness within the sport.”
As the taster session came to a close, the girls departed Sophia Gardens with hearts filled with joy and a newfound passion for cricket. The hope is that this memorable experience will inspire them to continue their journey in the sport, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of women’s cricket in Wales.
