HANLEY Castle and Upton Cricket Club’s under-13 team won the emerging girls team of the year award at the Worcestershire Cricket Foundation’s celebration of cricket.
The Malvern-based team received the award at a women’s and girls’ cricket gala at New Road home of Worcestershire CCC.
A Worcestershire Cricket Foundation panel selected Hanley Castle as the winners in the team’s debut season.
The award celebrates a newly-formed girls’ team from under-nine to under-15 level.
Head coach, Erin Bradbeer said: “This award is a true reflection of the girls’ dedication, enthusiasm, and love for the game.
“Many of them only picked up a bat for the first time recently, so to see their development and confidence grow so quickly has been incredible.
“As a club we obviously try to foster cricket skills, but also the children’s confidence as well.
“I think this shows in these girls as they become a real team both on and off the pitch.”
Worcestershire Cricket Foundation development officer, Alex Woods added: “Hanley was recognised for entering a girls team in the Under-13 Softball League for the first time, having previously pioneered a girls-only Dynamos group.
“Despite being a small, rural club, their commitment and volunteer efforts have enabled them to successfully launch and sustain a junior girls team.
“The foundation wanted to recognise the team’s hard work, progress and growing impact on the local cricket scene.”
Hanley Castle established a girls’ team after previously running a girls-only camp and weekly training sessions in the winter and summer for the past two seasons.
The club are welcoming new players with no previous cricket experience necessary.
Hanley are looking for girls in years five to eight to join the team from a wide range of primary and secondary schools around Hanley, Upton and Malvern.
Any new players wishing to join the club should contact: [email protected] or message the club via their social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.
